By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorA Pacific man accused of raping a female acquaintance was acquitted in the case that began in July 2010.A Warren County jury found 26-year-old Josh Eye, of Pacific, not guilty last Wednesday, July 15. Eye was initially charged with felony sexual assault, but prosecutors later amended the charge to forcible rape.The trial was held over two days before Circuit Judge Wes Dalton. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for 4 ½ hours. Officials reported at least two members of the jury initially believed Eye was guilty, but later changed their mind when deliberations restarted following a break.The allegations dated back to July 24, 2010, when prosecutors charged Eye. He has maintained his innocence since then. Eye’s attorney, Pat Coyne, was pleased with the outcome in the case.“Justice was done in Warren County,” said Coyne. “It was a long fight. I am happy for Mr. Eye. It was definitely the right verdict. He was definitely not guilty.”According to police reports, a woman told Warren County deputies she had been at a party with Eye and later they arrived at a residence in the 500 block of E.N. Street in Marthasville.The woman eventually passed out in the back of a truck. When she woke up, she claimed her pants and underwear were down and that Eye was engaged in sexual intercourse with her. She told authorities the sexual contact was not consensual.“Obviously, we hoped for a different outcome,” Prosecuting Attorney Kelly King said. “We knew going in that it was going to be a difficult case. I certainly respect the jury’s decision and appreciate their service.”Acquitted