The sexual assault trial of 53 year old Adam Vaira of Allendale continues today in Wabash County Circuit Court.
During her opening argument yesterday, state’s attorney Kelli Storckman told the jury she would present a case of manipulation that allowed Vaira to commit various sex crimes against family members between May of 2000 and January of 2007.
Defense attorney Melissa Duran countered during her opening argument telling the jury there will be no physical evidence and no objective witnesses presented during the trial to prove Vaira was guilty of any of the charges leveled against him. She said the case centers on “inherently implausible facts” that the jury will be able to use their own “critical thinking” in acquitting her client.
The two alleged victims were the only witnesses called to testify yesterday. Both painted pictures of repeated inappropriate acts committed against them by Vaira. But during lengthy cross-examinations, Duran repeatedly questioned the statements made by the women during their testimony and those made to special agent Steve Perry of the State Police during last year’s investigation.
The trial resumes this morning and could possibly go to the jury at some point this afternoon.
Vaira is charged with two Class X felony charges of predatory criminal sexual assault and four Class 2 felony charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a family member under 18.