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	Deliberation Begins in Sex Abuse Trial By Leila Noelliste Daily Journal July 24, 2009 http://www.daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=442954 A jury began deliberating 9 a.m. today on the second sex abuse trial of former Olivet Nazarene University student Jason Athialy. Athialy's first trial ended in a hung jury on Nov. 7, 2008. Athialy is charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse for allegedly fondling 11- and 12-year-old girls at a Nov. 12, 2006 Christian youth gathering. The girls' parents were mentors to Athialy and the alleged incidents took place in their home. Athialy, who was 21 at the time, had baby-sat the girls before and was close to the family. "They made a mistake when they trusted Jason Athialy," said Assistant State's Attorney Carol Costello during closing statements Thursday. The girls' parents first reported the abuse to their pastor at College Church in Bourbonnais and to administrators at Olivet. They eventually went to the police because, according to Costello, "they weren't satisfied" with actions taken. Athialy admitted to the abuse in November and December 2006 meetings with Olivet's Vice President of Student Development Woody Webb. Athialy later recanted, alleging he'd been forced to confess. Athialy was an active student at Olivet, serving as a dormitory resident assistant, premedicine major and biology teacher's assistant. He faces up to seven years in prison if found guilty.
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