DURANT - A jury acquitted a man Tuesday afternoon who was accused of inappropriately touching a girl.

Jurors deliberated approximately one hour and 45 minutes before returning a not guilty verdict for Randy Bruce Cross, 40, Bokchito. Cross was charged with lewd molestation in August 2006 following an investigation by the Bryan County Sheriff's Office into allegations that he touched a girl under the age of 16.

The trial began at 8:39 a.m. and later that morning, Cross announced that he wanted to testify, according to a court minute. District Judge Mark Campbell advised him of his right to testify, or not testify, and he chose to do so.

Following testimony by Cross, the court went into recess at 11:35 and defense testimony resumed after lunch. Jurors entered the jury room at 2:30 and returned to the courtroom at 4:16 to announce the not guilty verdict.

Assistant District Attorney Julie Naifeh prosecuted the case. Cross was represented by James Thornley.