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A Washington County jury returned a verdict of guilty for a 21-year-old Lane Branch of Nowata on a count of second degree rape. The jury recommends a ten-year sentence in the Department of Corrections.

The incident took in January 2018 in Dewey. According to an affidavit, Branch claimed to have consensual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl who was under the influence of alcohol. The girl's mother made contact with Branch who admitted the incident took place. Branch stated that he believed the girl was 16-years-old.

The jury trial began on Monday Feb. 25 and ran through Thursday Feb 28 before the guilty verdict was returned. The case was heard by judge Russell Vaclaw. Branch is due to return for sentencing on April 10.