David Rashid, speaking as a private citizen, praises verdict and urges community to move forward

David Rashid addressed the Neenah Common Council during the public forum on Feb. 18, saying a unanimous not‑guilty verdict on Jan. 23 had ‘‘finally ended a long and painful chapter’’ for him and his family.

Rashid introduced himself from the podium as a private citizen and explicitly said he was not speaking in his official capacity when he thanked the mayor, council and police for ‘‘believing in the facts and standing by the principle that everyone deserves the presumption of innocence.’’

He characterized the accusations against him as false, said the case took ‘‘a heavy toll’’ and raised concerns about prosecutorial choices and evidence handling: "When multiple prosecutors decline to file charges for lack of evidence, but a fourth one 70 m away takes the case anyway, something is wrong," he said. He added that thousands of pages of messages that he said supported his innocence were not readily shared with jurors in his view.

Rashid declined to re‑litigate the trial at the meeting but said the episode underscored the broader risk when investigators or prosecutors become ‘‘advocates for an outcome rather than seekers of truth.’’ He invited anyone with questions to talk to him directly and said his ‘‘hope and my commitment is to help this community heal and continue the good work we’ve all dedicated ourselves to.’’

Mayor Lang closed the public comment period after Rashid spoke; no council action followed from his remarks.

Note on attribution: Rashid introduced himself as speaking as a private citizen; the council discussion later in the meeting referenced legal work in closed session and outside counsel but did not take action tied to the public comment.