The attorneys for the former pastor at First United Methodist Church and the church’s daycare director appeared in Christian County Circuit Court Monday to argue several motions including a motion to postpone the August trial.
Bill Deatherage, who represents former pastor Paige Williams, and the defense attorney for Abby Leach, David Bundrick of Paducah along with special prosecutor Blake Chambers appeared before Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins who denied the motion to postpone the trial set to begin August 1 due to an amendment to the original indictment. Judge Atkins stated the new wording in the amended indictment does not change the circumstances of the case.
Chambers also informed Judge Atkins that he filed a notion of intent to play an audio recording at a trial of a meeting Williams held with parents to address some of their concerns after former daycare worker Allison Simpson was taken into custody.
click to download audioBundrick told the judge he plans to contest those recordings being presented at trial because Williams’ statements were made during an ongoing investigation.
click to download audioLast month, a jury convicted former daycare worker Allison Simpson on 12 counts of first-degree criminal abuse of the 30 counts she was initially charged with and 12 counts of third-degree criminal child abuse at the end of a trial, however, the jury was unable to a reach an agreement on a sentence for the felonies.
The jury convicted another former daycare worker, Nina Morgan, on one count of third-degree criminal child abuse, which is a misdemeanor. Judge Atkins sentenced her to a year in jail, pending final sentencing when the jury couldn’t agree on a sentence for her as well.
Judge Atkins stated during the hearing Monday that a “peculiarly legal issue” has arisen that could possibly delay formal sentencing scheduled on Wednesday. He added that he cannot disclose the issue to the public at this time out of fear that it could taint a potential jury pool for the next trial.
click to download audioJudge Atkins scheduled another hearing for noon Monday, July 18 to allow the attorneys time to file and additional responses to the motions.
