Reggie Stafford and Skank girlfriend; Jury deciding verdict in abuse trial

BY RON SYLVESTER
The Wichita Eagle
via kansas.com
August 21, 2009

WICHITA — The trial of a couple charged with sexually abusing a young girl is now, as I type, in the hands of a Sedgwick County jury.

Prosecutors say the mother of the girl prostituted the child to her friend Reggie Stafford. The jury will consider multiple counts of rape, sodomy and indecent liberties against the couple.

The mother, 48, and Stafford, 51, decided not to present evidence in their defense as their trial resumed this morning. Both face multiple life sentences if convicted under a 2006 statute known as Jessica's Law.

Note to criminal couples: It's always best to go for separate trials. Then you have someone to blame.

Prosecutors say the mother sold the girl, now 7, for sexual favors to Stafford for money, which she spent on whiskey and cigarettes. The alleged abuse happened when the girl was 5.

Because defendants are presumed innocent, and the state is required to prove its case, they are not required to present any evidence or testimony.

Also read:

7-year-old girl testifies that she had sex with defendant, mom got money

Man testifies against mother in case of 6-year-old sister's rape