Jury Seated in Clapsaddle Trial

A jury has been seated in the trial of Dustin Clapsaddle.

The jury consists of six men and six women, and one man and one woman are alternates.

They will decide the fate of the former Kenton High School teacher, who was indicted in August of 2023 on charges of rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition and kidnapping.

After jury instructions from Judge Steve Christopher, opening statements were presented.

For the state, Hardin County Assistant Prosecutor McKenzie Klingler told the jury that on January 18, 2019, the defendant exerted power and control over his student.

Clapsaddle is alleged to have invited the victim to his house to give her a present.

The prosecution alleges that the present was forcing her into his bedroom where he had sex with her.

Klingler stated that he told the victim if she told anyone she would get in trouble too.

She informed the jury that through witnesses and evidence presented in the case, she is confident that the jury will return guilty verdicts.

Defense attorney Terry Hord however said that two months later, in March of 2019, the victim denied anything happened between the two.

Hord stated that at one point, the victim wanted to have a relationship with Clapsaddle, but he refused her. In October, of 2022, Hord said that is when the victim called the school and reported the incident.

He alleges that the victim has given three different stories.

Hord refuted claims the victim was locked in Clapsaddle’s bedroom as alleged in the indictment since there are no locks on the bedroom door.

Hord ended his opening statement by saying there is no evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and they must acquit the defendant on all charges.

After a jury view of where the alleged incident took place, the prosecution began presenting its case.

The trial is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.