Defense Rests Its Case In Child Rape Trial

The second day of testimony in the child rape trial of Anthony Ardeno, Sr. has ended with the defense resting its case after Ardeno took the stand in his own defense. Morning defense testimony centered on Ardeno’s family members offering their views on his life in the community as a law abiding citizen.  They described his demeanor and the victim’s demeanor at large gatherings where he and the victim were both in attendance. In afternoon testimony, Ardeno took the stand and described photos from large gatherings in which he and the victim were together and their proximity to each other after the assault allegations were made. In testimony pertinent to the time frame of the allegations, Ardeno said he had not been able to have sex since his mid 60’s because of debilitating back issues and erectile disfunction. Ardeno admitted to having a pornography collection. Under cross examination, prosecutors asked why he had a pornography collection if he had ED. They pushed further asking if his performance issues were because he preferred a six year old girl to an adult. Ardeno denied the allegation. Closing arguments and deliberations will take place on Thursday.