What happened: 48-year-old Roman Viderman was convicted of rape and violation of a temporary protective order, which is a court order barring someone from contacting or approaching another person. The jury found him not guilty of a third charge, aggravated sexual battery.

The case: The investigation started in 2025 after a woman told the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office that Viderman had raped her. She also told investigators he had been watching her home without her permission, even after a judge had ordered him to stay away from her.

The trial: Over five days, 11 people testified for the prosecution, including the victim, law enforcement officers, an intelligence analyst, and a domestic violence expert. Prosecutors brought in 112 pieces of evidence, including text messages between Viderman and the woman, phone records, and photos and videos showing Viderman driving past her home.

The verdict: The jury deliberated for just over two hours before returning its decision. Senior Judge Walter J. Matthews will set a sentencing date at a later time.

What’s next: Rape in Georgia carries a minimum prison sentence of 25 years. A sentencing date has not been announced.

Graduation-themed image featuring a black graduation cap with a gold tassel, a rolled diploma tied with a navy blue ribbon, and a stack of books. One book prominently displayed is titled "Principles Are Like Pants, You Ought to Have Some... And Other Life Lessons" by B.T. Clark, with a cartoon illustration of a smiling man pointing at pants hanging in a closet. Text on the image reads: "Now that you've got the CAP and GOWN, maybe get some pants." A banner below states: "THE PERFECT GRADUATION GIFT - A hilarious look at life that every graduate will love!" Gold confetti is scattered throughout the image.

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.

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