Convicted rapist’s request for new trial rejected
Superior Court Judge Neal Rielly denied a request Tuesday by convicted rapist Arlin Jordin for a new trial based mostly on remarks allegedly made by the jury forewoman after the trial.
Jordin’s attorney, Bevan Maxey, filed the request based on claims by his two paralegal employees, who said they overheard the jury forewoman making comments about being a former date rape counselor.
However, the woman, who is a fitness teacher at Ferris High School, denied under oath that she made any such comments. Detective Jan Pogachar also testified that she was near the forewoman when the comments were allegedly made and did not hear them.
A jury last month convicted Jordin, 59, of second-degree rape and indecent liberties in connection with an encounter in November 2004 in which a 34-year-old woman said she became incapacitated after accepting drinks from Jordin. Three other women testified during the trial of having similar encounters with Jordin. Maxey argued that his client could not get a fair trial after Rielly allowed the women to testify to show a “common scheme or plan.” Jordin faces a minimum of 78 months in prison when he is sentenced July 12.
– Bill Morlin
Wal-Mart update on agenda for Southgate meeting
Representatives of CLC Associates will give an update on the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter at tonight’s Southgate Neighborhood Council meeting.
The architectural and engineering company, which works for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. but doesn’t make decisions for the retailer, will also answer questions.
Patrick Moore, chairman of the council, said CLC Associates representatives are speaking at the request of the group. The meeting isn’t being held to fulfill any requirement of the application process, he said.
To ensure that the meeting doesn’t become as confrontational as the initial traffic scoping session at Ferris High School, an adequate PA system will be provided, and attendees will be expected to follow accepted rules of order and refrain from being abusive, Moore said.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at ESD 101 at 4202 S. Regal St.
– Melodie LittleDeer Park
Homicide ruled out as cause of woman’s death
Sheriff’s detectives have ruled out homicide as a possible cause of death for a Deer Park woman.
Karla J. Trapp, 30, was found dead on June 6 in her home at 23 N. Weber Ave., according to court records.
Sgt. Dave Reagan said the investigation revealed the death wasn’t a homicide. He declined further comment.
The woman’s husband, John W. Trapp, told investigators last week that he and his wife had been drinking and fighting the night before she died.
Trapp said his wife fell down in the bathroom and hurt her head, Detective Doug Marske stated in a request for a warrant to search for evidence of homicide. Marske said Trapp told officers he put his wife to bed and found her dead the next morning.
– Staff reports