Julie Amero Granted New Trial - But Threat Still Looms

Via norwichbulletin.com -

NEW LONDON — A Superior Court judge today ordered a new trial for Julie Amero, the former Norwich substitute teacher who claims pornographic images on her classroom computer were the result of pop-up ads.

Judge Hillary B. Strackbein overturned Amero’s conviction in January of four counts of risk of injury to a minor.

Strackbein acknowledged further forensic investigation into Amero’s computer at the state police crime laboratory and by the defense team had turned up the possibility of “erroneous” facts presented to jurors by the prosecution’s expert computer witness.

“The jury may have relied, at least in part, on that false information,” Strackbein said. “(Amero) is entitled to a new trial in the interest of justice.”

Set to be sentenced today, Amero instead entered another not guilty plea.

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Her conviction garnered national attention, particularly from those in the technology field who argued the porn was the result of adware generated pop-up ads. Strackbein said the publicity had led to an onslaught of criticism by phone and e-mail to the court, attempts she said, to improperly influence the court with information and misinformation.

In light of the controversial verdict, a team of computer experts had worked to confirm what defense expert witness Herbert Horner of Montville said he was never able to present during the trial.

“I had a two-hour presentation that clearly shows her dilemma was caused by pop-ups,” Horner said. "I’m just hoping now the whole thing gets dropped. I think the prosecutor was sandbagged by his expert witness.”

Defense attorney William Dow III, standing beside a smiling Amero outside the courthouse, said Amero was relieved. He commended the state for acting responsibly and further investigating the evidence.

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To all the members of the security community that have assisted in the case...I would like to say the following....

"Well done boys! Well Done!"