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Rape trial in New Orleans interrupted again due to judge's decision

A rape trial in New Orleans has been paused again after the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office appealed a decision that would have put the judge in charge of the case. The trial was paused earlier in the week after a disagreement between Judge Benedict Willard and an assistant district attorney. Freddie J. Sterling's trial on first-degree rape charges began this week. During the trial, prosecutors asked Willard to recuse himself from the case after he dismissed a complaint against a male juror. Prosecutors said the juror made inappropriate remarks toward a woman who was a member of the prosecutor's Special Victims Unit team. According to court records, Willard told the woman she was being distracting. The defense in the case said what happened in court was not accurately portrayed. Judge Kimya Holmes reviewed the transcripts Thursday and denied the prosecution's request to remove Willard from the case. Holmes said she believes there was a lack of professionalism in the courtroom, which led to heated emotions, and that both parties acted unprofessionally. The trial was scheduled to continue Friday; however, prosecutors appealed the decision and a judge granted a stay of proceedings. The case will now be reviewed by the 4th District Court of Appeals. The trial may continue Monday if the court issues a decision.

In New Orleans, a rape trial was paused again after the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office appealed a decision that the judge would continue to try the case.

The trial was adjourned earlier this week following a disagreement between Judge Benedict Willard and an assistant district attorney.

The trial of Freddie J. Sterling for first-degree rape began this week.

During the trial, prosecutors asked Willard to recuse himself from the case after they said he dismissed a complaint against a male juror.

Prosecutors said the juror made inappropriate comments to a woman who was a member of the district attorney's Special Victims Unit.

According to court documents, Willard told the woman she was a distraction.

The defense in the case claimed that the events in court were not accurately reported.

Judge Kimya Holmes reviewed the transcripts on Thursday and denied prosecutors' request to remove Willard from the case.

Holmes said she believes there was a lack of professionalism in the courtroom, which led to strong emotions, and she believes both parties acted unprofessionally.

The trial was scheduled to continue on Friday, but prosecutors appealed the decision and a judge granted a stay of proceedings.

The case will now be reviewed by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

If the court makes a decision, the trial can continue on Monday.

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