Swaim |
A preliminary hearing for a former California Highway Patrol lieutenant charged with child molestation was postponed Wednesday until Feb. 22.
Saying nothing as he stood next to defense attorney Bob Espinosa, defendant John Swaim was ordered by Imperial County Superior Court Judge Poli Flores to appear back in jail court for the proceeding.
Flores found there was “good cause” to continue the hearing since Espinosa was involved in a juvenile case that he said was expected to consume much of next week.
Prosecuting attorney Heather Trapnell said Espinosa failed to provide a written notice about the other matter he’s handling. Espinosa requested two weeks to prepare for the preliminary hearing, adding that a juvenile case “takes precedence over all other matters by code.”
The hearing would determine whether if there is enough evidence to try Swaim on four counts of child molestation-related crimes that involved two underage girls.
Swaim remains free after posting bail.
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at spanta@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3442.
Saying nothing as he stood next to defense attorney Bob Espinosa, defendant John Swaim was ordered by Imperial County Superior Court Judge Poli Flores to appear back in jail court for the proceeding.
Flores found there was “good cause” to continue the hearing since Espinosa was involved in a juvenile case that he said was expected to consume much of next week.
Prosecuting attorney Heather Trapnell said Espinosa failed to provide a written notice about the other matter he’s handling. Espinosa requested two weeks to prepare for the preliminary hearing, adding that a juvenile case “takes precedence over all other matters by code.”
The hearing would determine whether if there is enough evidence to try Swaim on four counts of child molestation-related crimes that involved two underage girls.
Swaim remains free after posting bail.
Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at spanta@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3442.
