Former SA Police detective Jordan Lloyd Koch found not guilty of raping teen girl after retrial

A decorated police detective and CFS volunteer who had his child rape conviction overturned could apply to be reinstated with the force after a court handed down their final verdict.

SA Police officer Jordan Lloyd Koch, whose conviction has been overturned. Picture: Supplied

A former detective who was found guilty of raping a teenage girl, and then had his conviction overturned, may now seek to be reinstated as a police officer after a Judge once again acquitted him of the charge.

Jordan Llyod Koch will spend the weekend with his family and consider whether he will apply to be reinstated as an SA Police officer after the District Court on Friday found him not guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse following a retrial.

Mr Koch, now 38, of Springton, is a 17-year SA Police veteran who has received multiple police and CFS bravery awards.

In August, 2023, he was found guilty at trial of one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 17 years and two counts of indecent assault.

At trial, prosecutors alleged Mr Koch committed “the highest level of misconduct” by abusing his “power and privilege” to groom and sexually assault a girl, 15, known as “Cristina”.

Mr Koch denied all wrongdoing, insisting there had been no sexual contact – both he and his family became hysterical when he was found guilty by Judge Liesl Kudelka.

Former SA Police officer Jordan Lloyd Koch, who’s rape conviction was overturned on appeal. Picture: Supplied

He was then acquitted of the charge following a retrial. Picture: Supplied

In December, the Court of Appeal said it could not rely upon Judge Kudelka’s rejection of Mr Koch’s evidence, nor be satisfied the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

In the District Court on Friday morning, Judge Emily Telfer handed down her decision of not guilty after a retrial.

Members of Mr Koch’s family breathed sighs of relief as the verdict was handed down.

Craig Caldicott, for Mr Koch, said that within 20 minutes of receiving the judgement from the court, he received an email from SA Police advising that if his client wished to be reinstated as an officer, that decision would lie with the Police Commissioner.

“He is obviously incredibly relieved,” Mr Caldicott said.

“He has been fighting this for four years, and has maintained his innocence throughout.”

He said his client would take the weekend with his family to consider his next steps as an officer.

Originally published as Former SA Police detective Jordan Lloyd Koch found not guilty of raping teen girl after retrial