Trial testimony underway

An Oconee jury started hearing testimony this morning in a General Sessions Court trial in which the defendant, Wilbur Rickmon, is charged with kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct first degree. Rickmon’s accuser, a young female neighbor, was the first prosecution witness. In an opening statement to the jury, Assistant Solicitor Lindsey Simmons said the victim thought she was going to the defendant’s nearby trailer home to help him with his computer, but instead was sexually attacked by him inside that trailer home. Assistant Public Defender Danny Day said Rickmon acknowledged having sex with his accuser, but insists it was consensual. Day said his client has been in jail 19 months and, he told the jury, this is Rickmon’s first chance to challenge the state’s evidence.