Jury finds Leesburg police officer not guilty of aggravated sex battery

Former officer faced life in prison if convicted

LEESBURG, Fla. – The jury on Friday found the former Leesburg police officer accused of raping a motorist after a traffic stop not guilty of aggravated sexual battery.

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Henri Larue was charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery by a law enforcement officer and faced up to life in prison.

"It's just a tragedy that this was brought forward before the court but I'm ready to rebuild my life and reputation and move on with my life," Larue said.

Larue, 25, was arrested on sex battery charges in January 2013 after a three-month investigation into the alleged incident, which occurred in October 2012.

Larue pulled over a 23-year-old woman for a broken tail light and found she had active suspensions, so he placed her under arrest and took her to the police department, officials said.  As he was then taking her to the Lake County Jail, he allegedly stopped at an alley behind a shopping center, removed her handcuffs and forced her to perform a sex act, according to officials.

The victim was in tears in the courtroom on Friday as the jury read its verdict.

"No justice, no satisfaction ... I can't believe it, " said Karen Ramos, the victim's mother. "I'm shocked. Horrified."

Larue's message to the alleged victim was to move on.

Larue's lawyer said his client hopes to get his job back at Leesburg Police Department.

Closing arguments began Friday morning and the jury was handed the case Friday afternoon.

Check back for more on this story.


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