A former CIA officer-trainee accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague in a stairwell inside the agency’s headquarters in 2022 was acquitted of the charges by a Virginia jury on Oct. 30.
Prosecutors alleged Ashkan Bayatpour, 40, came up behind his fellow trainee—who has since publicly identified herself as Rachel Cuda—in the stairwell of the Langley, Virginia, building and wrapped a scarf around her neck while trying to kiss her.
Bayatpour was also accused of making threatening remarks toward her.
The jury deliberated for several hours before handing down its verdict on Oct. 30.
In a statement after the verdict, Bayatpour said he was grateful that a “jury of my peers believed me and found me not guilty.”…