Opening statements started in alleged molestor Dean Brown's case on October 11. In a surprise twist after the mid morning break before the first witness could be called, Brown resolved his case by pleading guilty to all 6 counts to a stipulated sentence of 18 years. The plea deal included dismissing the special allegation which would have had Brown facing 75 years to life.
Brown waived his appellate rights. Brown, at his own request, did not even stay in the courtroom when Judge Kaleb Cockrum informed the jury.
This plea was a surprise to the attorneys and Judge. I have written a few times previously that Brown should have pleaded guilty months ago. The evidence did not suddenly change. Instead of the previous ridiculous defense offer, Brown and his attorney made a choice to waste jurors, court staff, law enforcement, experts and witnesses' time.
I am just grateful that the three young girls don't have to relive the trauma. If are they speak at sentencing, will Brown be man enough to face them?
"99 percent of jury trials resolve," Judge Kaleb Cockrum said to the jury. "Sometimes it takes seeing the whites of the jury's eyes to resolve. I don't have any insight why it resolved."
Betty Chinn was supposed to testify at the trial. Brown was asked to leave the Betty Chinn shelter. He then went to Arcata House. Witnesses from Curran County and Corona were ready to testify. These witnesses included Brown's son, who is a minor.
Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. Brown was charged with 6 counts of PC 288 (a) and a special allegation of a prior conviction. There are three alleged victims; all Jane Does are under 14 years of age. The alleged molestation took place at several locations, including the Bayshore Mall, Trinity River and Betty Chinn shelter.
Judge Cockrum was going to rule on People's motion to amend information after evidence is heard. That motion is moot now. Sentencing is on November 18.
Deputy Conflict Counsel R. J. Leohner is Brown's attorney. Another motion to continue by defense denied yesterday. Defense made several motions to continue during jury selection.
All the jurors left without speaking to attorneys, except one male juror, who briefly spoke to with Ms. Timm and DA Investigator Ryan Hill.
Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/10/leohner-and-alleged-molestor-dean-brown.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/09/out-of-1000-jurors-only-15-were.html?m=1#more
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/09/alleged-molestor-makes-offer-to-resolve.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/01/alleged-molestor-dean-browns-reset-for.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/alleged-molestor-dean-browns-jury-trial.html?m=1#more
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/09/bayshore-mall-trinity-river-betty-chinn.html?m=1#more
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/09/alleged-molestor-dean-brown-held-to.html?m=1#more
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/07/people-file-motion-to-amend-charges-in.html?m=1#more
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/06/we-had-been-looking-for-him-for-past.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/06/dean-brown-charged-with-molesting-8.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/06/dean-brown-arrested-on-child.html?m=1
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