Over 20 people on the prosecution's witness list in the Abraczinskas trial | Local news

The Supreme Court has officially scheduled the start of the jury trial of former law clerk William Abraczinskas for September 9, 2024. The trial will be presided over by interim Judge Elyze Iriarte.

In an order dated May 30, 2024, Iriarte emphasized the importance of cooperation between the parties in preparing the proceedings.

The prosecution led by Assistant Attorney General Frances T. Demapan under the direction of Solicitor General Edward Manibusan has listed a number of key figures who are expected to testify during the trial. The extensive witness list was electronically filed on August 12, 2024 and names over 20 people, including police officers, civilian witnesses and even Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo is mentioned as a potential witness.

The trial is expected to reveal the full extent of the allegations and the defense's counterarguments.

As the trial date approaches, the court has set several deadlines to ensure a smooth process. Both the prosecution and defense must submit jury instructions, proposed verdict forms, and a list of pre-marked exhibits by August 16, 2024. In addition, the pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 30, 2024, where both parties will resolve any disputed legal issues and finalize preparations for trial.

Abraczinskas faces serious charges after a co-worker accused him of rape and formally charged him with first-degree sexual abuse, assault and disturbing the peace. He has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty.

The complaint, filed on May 26, 2023, details the account of the alleged victim who walked into the police station to report that Abraczinskas sexually assaulted her at the Beach Garden Apartments on April 8, 2023.

The court clerk also told investigators that she discovered that Abraczinskas had filed a sexual harassment complaint against her with the judiciary's human resources department.

The report states that it was only after she confided in her supervisor and discussed the alleged assault with Human Resources that she found the strength to contact the Public Safety Department and give her account of the events.