Local News
Sexual assault cases at standstill
The sexual assault cases against Dean Leroy Freerksen III are essentially at a standstill, according to Assistant District Attorney Westline Ritter.
Ritter, who is based in Alfalfa County, but travels the district as the lead sex crimes prosecutor, said, “everything is stayed.”
She made the comment after a bond hearing that was stopped before it could begin Tuesday afternoon.
The hearing was set to review a motion from the state to hold Freerksen without bond. However, before the motion was discussed, Freerksen’s attorney David Christian asked to meet with Major County Associate District Judge Vinson Barefoot in chambers.
Court records show that Woodward County Associate District Judge Don Work had previously recused himself from all of Freerksen’s cases “due to a conflict.” Barefoot was called in to replace Work on the case and even had to delay the start of the court proceedings by approximately 30 minutes Tuesday as he tried to familiarize himself with the case.
However, his efforts proved to be in vain, as Christian announced to the courtroom, after returning from an approximately 10-minute discussion with the judge and Ritter in chambers, that he planned to file a “motion to disqualify.”
Christian then asked for the proceedings to be stayed pending the outcome of that motion. He noted that he understood staying the proceedings would mean that no bond would be set for his client.
It was agreed that the proceedings were stayed and the judge remanded Freerksen back into the custody of the Woodward County Sheriff’s Office.
Because of Christian’s announcement of plans to file a motion to disqualify, Ritter said, “no action can be taken until a formal motion is filed and we address that.”
Although she was prepared to go forward with the hearing Tuesday, Ritter said that she had “anticipated” that Christian had planned to file the motion to disqualify.
Christian has already filed a similar motion in a previous case against Freerksen, in which he has asked the court to dismiss the case “due to the inability of the district court to provide defendant with the due process required . . ..”
In that motion, which was filed last month, Christian claims that the judge in the case has a “pecuniary interest” in the case, which he claims would make one “question the fundamental fairness of a bind-over for trial and/or a conviction” of Freerksen.
The same motion to dismiss was filed in a case against Freerksen’s wife Alicia Freerksen, who is also facing a number of sexual assault cases.
Ritter noted that despite Christian’s motions to dismiss or disqualify, the immediate result is the same as if her motion to hold without bond had been approved as Freerksen remains in jail, as does his wife.
- Local News
-
-
Dedication held to show off park improvements
One of Oklahoma’s original 7 state parks is in the process of getting a facelift.
And a big part of the renovation at Boiling Springs was dedicated in a Wednesday morning ceremony and ribbon cutting. -
'Elvis' coming to Woodward
It’s time to get the sparkly jumpsuits out and head to the Woodward Arts Theatre.
Because?
Elvis is on the way. -
Camping areas going fast at parks
Labor Day Weekend marks the final major holiday of the summer season.
-
Appreciation Day to include free health screenings
The Family Wellness Center will be holding free health screenings for emergency service responders on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Room.
-
Remote pilots plan fun event
Remote control pilots like to fly their planes as a group to share in the fun.
-
Fargo sets open house at school
Fargo Public Schools is inviting past and present students, parents and community members to attend its open house tonight from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
-
Enrollment up at several schools
Several local schools in the area had quite an increase in student enrollment for the 2010 - 2011 school year.
-
Heisman winners enjoy visit
Saturday afternoon hundreds of University of Oklahoma football fans attended an autograph signing at Southgate United Supermarket featuring Sooner Heisman Trophy Winners Steve Owens (1969), Billy Sims (1978), and Jason White (2003).
-
Cupcake decorating among High Plains courses
Cupcakes are everywhere.
Just turn on your cable and you’ll see shows like “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network and “DC Cupcakes” on The Learning Channel (TLC). -
CBR ticket sales to help area non-profits
The Woodward Tourism and Convention Bureau is spending $30,000 to bring in a Championship Bull Riding (CBR) event on Sept. 18.
- More Local News Headlines
-
