STATESVILLE, NC — Jurors will be back at work Friday, deciding whether to convict a former Iredell County teacher on sex charges. The jury in the John Patterson case deliberated for less than an hour Thursday afternoon. Patterson is accused of sexual abuse involving students in the 70s and 80s while he worked at Mount Mourne Elementary in Mooresville. He testified that he never inappropriately touched boys in his classroom, or made them touch him.
“You couldn’t remember which boys you molested and which ones you didn’t, right?” asked the prosecutor Thursday.
“Well, I didn’t molest any boys,” answered Patterson.
During closing arguments, the defense told the jury there was doubt throughout the case. The prosecutor told the jury the 14 accusers, who are now adults, are telling the truth. Patterson could spend the rest of his life in prison if he’s convicted.
