The trial of a 71-year-old business owner, accused of sexually battering two minors, continues in Osceola County.

The defense is working to prove that Loomes Wheeler isn’t as he's been portrayed: a child molester who skipped town to avoid punishment. 

Loomes Wheeler was originally arrested in April of 2013, escaped to the Bahamas, and then was re-arrested last April. Two years later, he's standing trial. The defense is pushing for an acquittal on two counts of molestation, saying there simply isn’t enough evidence. If found guilty of all nine charges-- he could be sentenced to life in prison.

In April of 2013, police said a 9-year-old girl came forward, claiming she was battered by Wheeler starting at the age of four. Police then searched Wheeler’s home and business at Horse World, snatching up cell phones, cameras and storage devices; they arrested the man the next day. During that time, a 20-year-old also came forward, who said Wheeler molested her as a child.

Days later, the man posted bond and was fitted with an ankle bracelet. But, that September, investigators said he cut off that monitor and fled the country, helped by a former business associate, Patrice Smith-Bullard. In April of 2014, a year after the case began; Wheeler was busted in a drug sting in the Bahamas and brought back to Osceola County. 

Wheeler took the stand in his own defense on Thursday, denying all accusations. He alleged his accusers just want his money, amassed after owning Horse World Riding Stables in Kissimmee for years.

When prosecutors asked the man if he ever had plans of returning to Osceola County, things got tense. 

Attorney: “You were planning to stay gone right?”

Wheeler: “No I was coming back.”

Attorney: “You were going to come back?”

Wheeler: “I was on the way back.” 

Attorney: “Hmm.” 

Wheeler: “Hmm.”

If found guilty on all nine charges, Wheeler could be sentenced to life in prison.