LARNED — A Larned man was found not guilty Wednesday of an alleged offense of aggravated indecent liberties of a child under the age of 14.

The two-day jury trial was conducted Tuesday and Wednesday in Pawnee District Court on a Jessica’s Law charge of lewd fondling against Joshua J. Bernal, 35, of Larned. Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett noted Wednesday that the alleged incident was reported to the Larned Police Department on Aug. 29, 2022 and was additionally investigated by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. The alleged incident was said to have occurred at a residence in Larned during the summer of 2022.

Bernal was arrested Oct. 14, 2022 without incident. He later posted a $50,000 surety bond and required to report to Court Services. 

Following a contested preliminary hearing Jan. 25, 2023, Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell found sufficient evidence to support the charge and bound over the defendant for trial. He later entered a plea of not guilty.

The jury composed of six men and six women deliberated for approximately two and a half hours Wednesday afternoon before returning a not guilty verdict and released by District Judge Bruce Gatterman.