Molestation trial continues

The trial for 28-year-old Dean Arce kicks off Monday in Floyd County Superior Court.

The attorney for a Rome man accused of aggravated child molestation worked to discredit the victim’s testimony by showing what he characterized as a suggestive photo taken from the girl’s Facebook page.

Dean Arce, 28, is also charged with felony enticing a child for indecent purposes, two counts of child molestation and a violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.

When Arce’s attorney Noah Pines cross-examined the girl he displayed what he characterized as a “seminude” photo posted to her social media account.

She said she posted the photo — where she was wrapped in a towel — to show off her tattoos in the picture, not to be sexually suggestive, and pointed out that it does not show her private areas. During the cross-examination Pines asked about her recollections of being examined at the hospital, including a sexual assault nurse examiner not finding any vaginal injuries. She said she couldn’t remember all of the processes.

He also brought up a series of text messages between the girl and Arce in which she stated “you took advantage of me.”

Assistant District Attorney Emily Johnson told Floyd County Superior Court Judge Jack Niedrach they intended to bring more witnesses to testify Tuesday morning.

The trial will pick back up this morning at 9 a.m. Arce was in Floyd County Jail without bond Monday night.

There is a separate child molestation case against Arce. In a motion hearing last week Johnson stated they may try that case this week as well.