kotanow.com, KDUH, Scottsbluff, News, Weather and SportsDay 2 of Rocha trial nearing completion

Day 2 of Rocha trial nearing completion

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Day two wraps up in the trial of a Scottsbluff man accused of the sexual and physical abuse of four children under his care.

The jury heard testimony from one of 34-year  old Eric Rocha's alleged victims today, describing the assault of his younger siblings.

The jury also heard testimony from staff at Roosevelt Elementary, who described the noticeable changes in behavior of the children and visible signs of physical abuse.

Julie Neideffer, a paraprofessional who works in the schools library was the first to notice bruise marks on one of the child's necks.

Carol Markheim, one of the victim's first grade teachers said after the alleged abuse started, there was noticeable change in the child's behavior. She said that the girl would compulsively wash her hands at least 15 times a day, and always seemed frightened to go home.  

Rocha is charged with sexually assaulting and physically abusing four children from 2009 through 20 - 11.

Judge Leo Dobrovolny says he expects testimony to take two more days, and jurors will have the choice of wrapping up on either Saturday or Monday.

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