Rape trial set to conclude today

The trial of a Waynesboro man accused of habitually raping a 15-year-old juvenile over a two-year period is scheduled to conclude Tuesday afternoon in Augusta County Circuit Court.

Jimmy Franklin Moran, 34, faces charges of rape, attempted rape and attempted sexual battery. The trial began on March 7, but a second court date had to be scheduled because three defense witnesses were out of town for a funeral.

Moran has waived his right to a jury, so Circuit Court Judge Thomas H. Wood will decide the case. A verdict could be handed down today.

Moran was arrested in July after an incident in which he allegedly pressured the juvenile to have sex with him at his home. She refused, and on the following day reported the incident, first to a friend, then to police, according to the prosecuting attorney. During court testimony, the girl said there had been a history of abuse.

In his opening statement on March 7, Moran's attorney, Scott Gregory Crowley, said the girl was a "victim of manipulation" by people seeking to attack his client.

The News Virginian does not identify the victims of alleged sexual assault.