Srinagar:  Saranac Lake Village Trustee Richard Shapiro, who was one of several locals who showed up to support international snowshoe racer Tanveer Hussain at a court, has batted for his innocence in the sexual assault case.

“He’s obviously innocent. It’s bogus. The complainant has made false accusations multiple times in the past, and they’ve been thrown out, and this will be too. It’s just really unfortunate that this poor kid, Tanveer, has to suffer through this,” said Shapiro, according to WCAX.com.

Hussain’s attorney says he could have gone home had he accepted the plea deal, but he rejected it because he maintains his innocence.

“He could walk out and go home. They would return his passport right now and he could go home, but he’s decided, elected to stay here and fight these charges,” said Brian Barrett, Hussain’s defense attorney.

Hussain was released on bail after his initial arrest and is required to stay locally. The case will now be going to a grand jury in Essex County.

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