Post by KC on Apr 26, 2006 20:00:41 GMT -5
04/26/2006 - A former State Police investigator charged with sex crimes has been granted two separate trials.
44-year-old Stephen Kotzen will stand trial first starting on May 2nd on charges of alleged sexual contact with an 11-year-old boy. The second trial involving charges that he sexually abused two boys aged 12 and 16 will be scheduled later.
Judge Jerome Richards granted the defense motion for separate trials due to differences in evidence between the two cases. In the first trial Kotzen is expected to take the witness stand, but is unlikely to do so in the second trial. In addition, a hearing will be held May 1st to determine if statements made by Kotzen to investigators can be used against him at trial.
Kotzen, a 15-year veteran of the State Police BCI was arrested in June of last year after allegations surfaced that he had abused three boys at his Louisville home. The charges surfaced when the 16-year-old came forward with his story, prompting the two other youths to come forward. He was subsequently charged with 16 counts including first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual assault and first-degree criminal sexual act. Kotzen was suspended from the force when the charges were brought to light, and was fired in October
44-year-old Stephen Kotzen will stand trial first starting on May 2nd on charges of alleged sexual contact with an 11-year-old boy. The second trial involving charges that he sexually abused two boys aged 12 and 16 will be scheduled later.
Judge Jerome Richards granted the defense motion for separate trials due to differences in evidence between the two cases. In the first trial Kotzen is expected to take the witness stand, but is unlikely to do so in the second trial. In addition, a hearing will be held May 1st to determine if statements made by Kotzen to investigators can be used against him at trial.
Kotzen, a 15-year veteran of the State Police BCI was arrested in June of last year after allegations surfaced that he had abused three boys at his Louisville home. The charges surfaced when the 16-year-old came forward with his story, prompting the two other youths to come forward. He was subsequently charged with 16 counts including first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual assault and first-degree criminal sexual act. Kotzen was suspended from the force when the charges were brought to light, and was fired in October
