Judge denies acquittal motion in Marlow's child sex crimes trial

Defendant wrote apology notes to young victim, claiming he touched her by mistake

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A judge in Riley County, Kansas has denied a motion for acquittal from the defense in the trial of Joseph Marlow, a 26-year-old Manhattan man accused of committing sex crimes against a 5-year-old girl. Marlow is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14 years old. The trial continued on Thursday afternoon after the state rested its case.

Why it matters

Child sex abuse cases are among the most serious and sensitive crimes, with long-lasting impacts on victims. The judge's denial of the acquittal motion suggests the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed, despite the defendant's claims that the touching was accidental.

The details

In apology notes shown to jurors, Marlow told the young victim that he loves her, doesn't want to lose her, and would protect her at all costs. Marlow has maintained that he touched the girl's bottom beneath her clothing by mistake, thinking it was her mother. However, he is still facing two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14.

  • The trial began on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The state rested its case on Thursday morning.
  • The judge denied the motion for acquittal on Thursday.

The players

Joseph Marlow

A 26-year-old Manhattan man accused of committing sex crimes against a 5-year-old girl.

Trey Bryant

The chief public defender representing Marlow.

Riley County District Court

The court where the trial is taking place.

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What they’re saying

“I love her, don't want to lose her and would protect her at all costs.”

— Joseph Marlow (Apology notes shown to jurors)

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue on Thursday afternoon after the judge's denial of the acquittal motion.

The takeaway

This case highlights the gravity of child sex abuse allegations and the high legal bar prosecutors must clear to secure convictions, even in the face of defendants' claims of accidental touching. The judge's decision suggests the state has presented a strong case so far, but the ultimate outcome remains to be seen as the trial progresses.