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Sirens & Gavels

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Ranch trial could go to jury Tuesday

The Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner waits in the fourth-floor hallway of the Spokane County Courthouse to testify in the Morning Star Boys’ Ranch trial on Wednesday. (Dan Pelle)
The Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner waits in the fourth-floor hallway of the Spokane County Courthouse to testify in the Morning Star Boys’ Ranch trial on Wednesday. (Dan Pelle)

Closing arguments are expected tomorrow in the Morning Star Boys' Ranch sex abuse trial.

The lengthy trial is the first of more than a dozen cases that could go to trial in Spokane County Superior Court.

On Thursday, the Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner (pictured above) said that he would sometimes get angry during his 52-year career at Morning Star Boys’ Ranch, but that he “never, never” sexually abused the boys in his care.

“I was a parent, and I did things that parents do,” said Morning Star’s former director, adding that included losing his temper at times.

Read Kevin Graman's story: Former ranch director denies abuse allegations

Full coverage here.

Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.