Guilty Verdict in Stephen Budd Trial; Sentenced to Life

By Brian Entin
WPTV
June 2, 2015

http://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/guilty-verdict-in-stephen-budd-trial

[with video]

After deliberating all morning a jury reached a verdict Tuesday in the case of a former Rosarian Academy Elementary School teacher accused of child molestation.

The jury found Stephen Budd guilty on all counts of molesting two Rosarian Academy students when they were in the fourth grade.

A short time later he was sentenced to life in prison and classified as a sexual predator.

The girls, now in their late teens, testified during the trial about the sexual abuse that happened in the classroom.

Prosecutors told the jury Monday afternoon that there was no reason the girls would make up the stories.

They also reminded the jurors about another witness who testified she was also abused years earlier.

Budd's defense attorneys argued that there was no physical evidence in the case.

The jury began deliberating Monday afternoon following closing arguments.

The school released this statement Tuesday afternoon:

On behalf of Rosarian Academy, we hope this verdict can help bring closure to the victims and their families in this case, and our prayers and support will continue to be with them as they continue the healing process.

Nori Madrigal/Interim Head of School, Rosarian Academy