Deliberations Begin In Abortion Stop Case Final Arguments Portray Trooper As Both An Aggressor, Victim

Wed., May 10, 1995

Associated Press

Former State Patrol trooper Lane Jackstadt abused his power when he tried to divert a young couple from an abortion appointment after stopping them for speeding, a prosecutor told jurors Tuesday in closing arguments.

But defense lawyer Thomas Olmstead said the trooper was being persecuted for his Christian faith by accusers who hope to profit from a planned civil suit.

King County Superior Court jurors received the case late Tuesday and were scheduled to resume deliberations today.

Jackstadt, 34, is charged with two counts of unlawful imprisonment and two counts of official misconduct.

Justin Cooper, 20, and Deanna Thomas, 18, testified earlier that Jackstadt intimidated and coerced them into following him to a Christian counseling center after he stopped them July 27 for speeding on Interstate 90. The two were on their way to an abortion clinic when they were stopped.

“‘Blessed are you when you are persecuted for my name’s sake,’ ” Olmstead told jurors, using a biblical quotation to characterize his client’s plight.

Olmstead said Jackstadt was only trying to help a pair of distraught youths when he offered to drive ahead of them to the center.

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