Tulsa, Oklahoma -
Jurors heard closing arguments in Robert Yerton's lewd molestation and child sexual abuse trial Thursday.
Closing arguments took about three and a half hours. Yerton is facing five counts for touching three students and a young man, under his care, at the time.
The defense pointed out that the only alleged victim that attended closing arguments was Yerton's relative. Richard O'Carroll suggested that victims' families had therefore not come forward to catch "the bad man," but possibly for the money they got from Tulsa Public Schools.
The defense said Yerton is a smart, honest, and innocent man who wanted to take the stand. The defense said he never accused the alleged victims of being liars. The defense said the victims might believe they have been violated even if they have not.
O'Carroll got teary-eyed, telling jurors they hold Yerton's life in their hands. He has the potential to be put away for life if found guilty.
The defense asked, "If you're really dealing with someone who's a pedophile, where's evidence of the obsession?"
Prosecutors said the number of victims is evidence enough of a sick obsession. They also pointed out the same homoerotic pornographic websites found on both Yerton's work and personal computer.
