A High Court jury has returned a guilty verdict in the case against Dequan Yearwood, who was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. The verdict was decided by an 8-1 majority following trial proceedings.

The court heard that the incident occurred in January 2022 at the defendant’s apartment, where persons found the 14-year-old victim.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the complainant has special needs and functions at a developmental level approximately three years below her age.

The case was brought to authorities’ attention after the victim’s mother discovered the incident through a conversation among her children and subsequent confirmation from the complainant.

Yearwood, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, is scheduled to appear before the court for sentencing on December 13.