Medford trial delayed?

As I noted in mid-January, Judge Thomas Selby Ellis III, tapped to preside over the trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, said, “It will begin March 25. I’m from a jurisdiction where continuances are as rare as hen’s teeth.” Could be, but Assistant United States Attorney Richard Edwards has indicated that he believes Medford’s defense team will need more time to evaluate the mass of evidence gathered in the case.

Edwards’ reasons for such a statement might come from three sources:
1) He doesn’t want Medford to have the basis for an appeal later based on his defense being rushed to trial.
2) He isn’t really ready to try the case and needs more time himself.
3) He may either have further related indictments pending or hope to flip other defendants before trial. There is considerable pressure on Medford’s codefendants, Ronnie “Butch” Davis, Guy Penland and Johnnie Harrison to turn state’s evidence. Old men faced with what could prove to be de facto life sentences might easily decide to buy less time in the slammer by turning on their boss. And, assuming that the court’s ban on communication between the men is enforced, each must be wondering what the others will do.

That’s always the rub in criminal conspiracies: those willing to break society’s written rules may not embrace strong ethical commitments to unwritten rules of friendship.

Meanwhile, Medford, now out of jail, albeit on a short electronic leash, has no reason to push his attorney Stephen Lindsay to request a speedy trial. A heavy smoker with a history of debilitating health problems, the former sheriff is running out the clock himself, and house arresst at his sister’s home has to be more pleasant than a steel cage. Given the large roomful of evidence amassed in the case, and the dozens of witnesses involved, it isn’t unreasonable for Lindsay to seek more time.

So Lindsay will ask for a continuance, Ellis will glower and Edwards will urge the judge to assent.

Any bets on a trial date? I’m thinking May 27.

~ by bothwellsblog on February 14, 2008.