Jury Hears Closing Arguments in Former Deputy’s Trial

MARSHALL — Closing arguments are heard this morning in the indecency with a child trial of former pastor and Harrison County sheriff’s deputy Eddie Nichols. The youngest of Nichols’ accusers testified a second time Friday. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report that she said she recanted from her outcry at one point because she wanted to believe he hadn’t touched her. The prosecution’s witness broke down under cross examination from defense attorney Vernard Solomon, who asked if she was being truthful when she said Nichols never touched her. “At that point, I wanted to believe it was true,” she said. She was led from the witness stand for five minutes to collect herself.

“At that time, I wanted to think that that was the truth because Eddie was more of a father than my own,” she continued upon returning to the bench. “As I got older, I had a different perspective on everything,” she added.

Much of the defense’s case focused on the credibility of Nichols’ two stepdaughters. The youngest said when she saw pictures of the video Nichols took of her playing a video game topless alongside her mother, as well as some photos he took of her posing in some forms of undress, she felt uncomfortable. “You changed your mind because you saw some pictures?” Solomon asked. “Like I said, I do have my disagreements, but at the same time, I know how I feel,” she said, raising her voice. “It kind of makes me feel uncomfortable.” When asked by prosecutor Tim Cariker if she recanted at one time because she was trying to keep the family together, the witness replied “Yes.”

Under cross examination the woman admitted saying her older sister had, at times, lied to get Nichols in trouble. She also admitted taking the blame in certain incidents if her sister tells her to. Answering questions from Solomon, Nichols’ oldest stepdaughter admitted telling lies, but said they were always about small things.