Friday, January 29, 2010

LATEST ON THE UPCOMING TRIAL OF SCOTT DEMUTH

Here is the latest update out of Davenport, Iowa and the grand jury proceeding there. This time the story has to do with Scott DeMuth who has been indicted for violating the notorious Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.

The following is from Support Carrie and Scott.

Scott denied continuance for trial



Scott’s new lawyer, Michael Deutsch, filed a motion to continue the March 1st trial date to allow him proper time to investigate and prepare for trial. Also in support of the motion Michael stated he had two small kids and a working wife which prohibited a trial before June 1st. The motion also stated that Scott wanted to finish his graduate work before the trial.

Magistrate Shields denied the motion saying a June 1st trial date was “unrealistic” and, more or less, that defense counsel’s family issues and Scott’s education needs were irrelevant. The defense was given leave to file another motion with a more “realistic” request for a trial date.

Apparently the Court wants to railroad this case to trial without regard for the defense need to prepare or the needs of the counsel or the
defendant.

The defense has filed a new motion requesting an April 21st trial date, and also cited numerous motions that will be filed challenging the indictment, the statute and the whole prosecution theory; they have asked for 30 days to file these motions. We await a decision on all of this.

Meanwhile, Scott may have to proceed with a pre-trial conference on February 8. If this is the case, we’re asking that supporters who are able travel to Davenport for the hearing.

In Solidarity,

the SCSC

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