Jury Pool Narrows In Sex-Ring Case 33 Potential Jurors Dismissed In Two Days Of Interviews

Many of the 34 potential jurors interviewed Wednesday for the child-rape and molestation trial of a Pentecostal preacher and his wife said they knew someone involved in the case.

So far, 33 jurors have been dismissed over two days, leaving a pool of 39 jurors to be whittled down today to hear the trial of pastor Robert “Roby” Roberson and his wife, Connie. The Robersons are accused of having sex with children in their East Wenatchee home and the Pentecostal Church of God House of Prayer.

Douglas County Superior Court Judge T.W. “Chip” Small told the potential jurors he expected to have the 12-person panel plus three alternates selected by noon today. Opening statements would follow.

Roby Roberson is charged with four counts of first-degree child rape, five counts of first-degree child molestation and one count of seconddegree child molestation. Connie Roberson is charged with two counts of first-degree child rape and five counts of first-degree child molestation.

Both deny the accusations. They contend the charges are an attempt to squelch their criticism of authorities’ motives and methods in the sexring investigation.

Twenty-eight adults have been charged since last fall with participating in what authorities describe as two loosely organized sex rings in operation since 1988.

Five of the cases have resulted in convictions and 11 defendants have pleaded guilty to felony charges. One person was acquitted and charges against two others were dismissed. Two people pleaded guilty to misdemeanors.

Cases against seven people, including the Robersons, are pending.

Douglas County is a rural, farming area with just under 30,000 people. And it was obvious during juror interviews that there were few strangers.