Trial set for Oklahoma man accused of abusing Kenyan orphans
Source: Associated Press
Trial set for Oklahoma man accused of abusing Kenyan orphans
By TIM TALLEY, Associated Press | June 6, 2015 | Updated: June 6, 2015 3:53pm
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Six children from Kenya are due in a closed federal courtroom this week to lay out accusations that an Oklahoma aid worker sexually assaulted them while volunteering at the orphanage where they lived.
After prosecutors said the defendant had asked his family to "pack the courtroom" with supporters, the presiding judge last week ordered that the public and press be kept out while the children testify. Other portions of the trial will be open.
"The victims may not be as open about the details of their encounters with the defendant during a public trial," prosecutors said in a recent court filing. They also feared "substantial psychological harm" to a child forced to testify in front of a crowd.
Matthew Lane Durham, 20, of Edmond, faces 17 counts of sexual misconduct, including aggravated sexual abuse and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. He has pleaded not guilty and faces up to life in prison if convicted. Jury selection starts Tuesday.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Trial-set-for-Oklahoma-man-accused-of-abusing-6311217.php
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