Clapsaddle Trial Continues This Morning: Defense Concludes with Defendant’s Testimony Yesterday; State to Call Rebuttal Witnesses

The defense wrapped its case in the Dustin Clapsaddle trial by calling the defendant himself to testify in his own defense.

Defense attorney Terry Hord asked if on or around January 18, 2019, did he ever have contact with the victim. Clapsaddle answered no. At any time between January, February, or March of 2019, did you ever pick her up at the church and take her back to his residence. Again, his answer was no. He emphatically denied ever having a sexual relationship with her. Hord asked him if he ever restrained her against her will, Clapsaddle’s answer was no.

Finally, Clapsaddle was asked if any of the allegations against him are true, Clapsaddle said no, none of them are true.

On cross, Siobhonne Ward asked Clapsaddle about the nature of a couple late night telephone calls placed by him to the victim after the alleged incident.

On February 21, 2019, Clapsaddle’s phone records show he placed a call at 11:07pm on February 21, 2019.

He claims he returned her call from earlier and it was mainly to just listen and be an ear for her. He said he was embarrassed to say that he periodically fell asleep during the conversation.

Another lengthy call was made on a school night April 5 at 10:06pm. He only said there was probably a reason, but he can’t remember.

The case was expected to go to the jury Thursday but is now set to continue this morning when the state calls rebuttal witnesses to the stand.

Closing arguments and jury instructions will follow before the jury begins deciding Clapsaddle’s fate.