Former grade school principal acquitted in sexual assault case

PEORIA -- The former principal of a central Illinois elementary school has been acquitted of two counts of sexual assault.

On Wednesday, a Peoria jury found John Walker not guilty of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a party last summer.

Walker maintained his innocence but resigned as principal of Illini Bluffs Elementary School after he was charged in the incident. His lawyer says he won't try to return to the school southwest of Peoria.

Walker's lawyers say contact between Walker and the woman was consensual.

The jury spent two hours deliberating before announcing its decision.

Authorities claimed Walker raped the woman when she went to a bedroom to lie down after feeling sick during a July 14 party.