Lawrence man found not guilty of all sex crime charges

Jury acquits Victor Armstrong-Tharp of rape and aggravated battery allegations

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:30am

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A jury in Riley County District Court has found 31-year-old Victor Armstrong-Tharp of Lawrence not guilty on all four counts he was facing, including two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated battery against the same woman. Armstrong-Tharp had pleaded not guilty to the charges in July 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and challenges involved in prosecuting sex crimes, where the burden of proof is high and the outcomes can have significant impacts on both the accused and the alleged victim. The verdict raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the jury's decision-making process.

The details

According to court records, Victor Armstrong-Tharp, a 31-year-old man from Lawrence, was charged with two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated battery against the same woman. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in July 2024. After hearing the evidence, the jury in the Riley County District Court case reached a verdict on Wednesday afternoon, finding Armstrong-Tharp not guilty on all four counts.

  • Armstrong-Tharp was charged in July 2024.
  • The jury reached its verdict on Wednesday afternoon.

The players

Victor Armstrong-Tharp

A 31-year-old man from Lawrence, Kansas who was charged with two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated battery.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities involved in prosecuting sex crimes, where the burden of proof is high and the outcomes can have significant impacts on both the accused and the alleged victim. The verdict raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the jury's decision-making process, underscoring the need for continued examination and improvement of the criminal justice system's handling of such sensitive and challenging cases.