Closing Arguments Expected Friday in Ex-pastor's Molestation Trial
By Scott DeSmit
Closing arguments are expected today in the Orleans County Court trial of a former church pastor accused of molesting three children, all his relatives. Roy Harriger Sr., 71, former pastor of Ashwood Wesleyan Church in Yates, is charged with three counts of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and three counts of incest. Harriger, who took the stand Thursday and denied all the accusations, claiming his son and grandchildren were lying, is accused of molesting the children in 2001, 2002 and in 2008. A state police investigation detailed allegations of abuse dating back to the 1970s in New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan, including molesting his son, who also testified this week. District Attorney Joseph Cardone said Harriger finished testifying Thursday afternoon. Defense attorney Larry Koss is expected to call at least one witness before closing arguments. Cardone said it’s possible a jury could begin deliberating, depending how long testimony and closing arguments last. The trial began Tuesday with jury selection, followed by testimony from victims on Wednesday. Harriger faces up to 25 years in prison for each of the most serious charges, course of sexual conduct. Contact: desmit@batavianews.com
|
.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.