GOLDEN — A Jefferson County District Court jury began deliberations today in the case of a Denver Sheriff's deputy accused of fondling a neighbor girl more than a year ago.

John Ray Luna, 47, is accused of a single felony count of sexual assault on a child under 15.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Zak Phillips said the victim, who was 14 at the time of the alleged assault, "wanted a ride to work. She didn't want to be touched and grabbed and groped."

The girl testified earlier this week that while Luna was driving her to work at a nearby bar, he made suggestive remarks and repeatedly fondled or tried to fondle her buttocks and breast. She also said Luna rubbed her leg and, when condoms spilled from her purse after the vehicle hit a bump, Luna asked her for one and, when she handed it to him, he implied he wanted more than just a condom.

But defense attorney Gary Lozow told jurors the girl's testimony was inconsistent and at times contradictory and criticized the investigation by a Wheat Ridge detective as incomplete, at best.

The detective, Lozow said, "Didn't do one thing about finding evidence in this case that is pertinent.... He was convinced that this Sheriff (deputy) was going down."

Luna did not testify during the three-day trial.