Scott DeMuth, Charged Under the AETA, Denied Continuance for Trial

Scott’s new lawyer, Michael Deutsch, filed a motion to continue the March 1st trial date to allow him proper time to investigate and prepare for trial. Also in support of the motion Michael stated he had two small kids and a working wife which prohibited a trial before June 1st. The motion also stated that Scott wanted to finish his graduate work before the trial.

Magistrate Shields denied the motion saying a June 1st trial date was “unrealistic” and, more or less, that defense counsel’s family issues and Scott’s education needs were irrelevant. The defense was given leave to file another motion with a more “realistic” request for a trial date.

Apparently the Court wants to railroad this case to trial without regard for the defense need to prepare or the needs of the counsel or the defendant.

The defense has filed a new motion requesting an April 21st trial date, and also cited numerous motions that will be filed challenging the indictment, the statute and the whole prosecution theory; they have asked for 30 days to file these motions. We await a decision on all of this.

Meanwhile, Scott may have to proceed with a pre-trial conference on February 8. If this is the case, we’re asking that supporters who are able travel to Davenport for the hearing.

Scott was charged with conspiracy under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) two days after he and Carrie Feldman, both of Minneapolis, were taken into custody on civil contempt for refusing to testify before a grand jury in Davenport, IA. Carrie remains in jail for refusing to cooperate and her lawyers are fighting for her release. In the meantime, both Scott and Carrie need help with their legal support needs.

You can donate online by visiting http://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.com or send a check or money order made out to Coldsnap Legal Collective with "EWOK!" in the memo line to Coldsnap Legal Collective, P.O. Box 50514, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

In Solidarity,

the Scott & Carrie Support Committee (SCSC)

http://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.c...for-trial/