The state outlined its case against a former school administrator, in a sexual assault trial that opened Tuesday afternoon in Sitka (5-13-14).
Joe Robidou was the principal of Blatchley Middle School in Sitka until January of last year. He’s facing 10 counts of sexual assault, based on accusations from three female staff members in his building.
The case fell behind schedule almost immediately, as prospective juror after juror reported knowing either Joe Robidou, one of his three alleged victims, or having some past experience with sexual assault.
Superior Court judge David George met in chambers with almost every prospective juror, to determine what — if any — knowledge they had of the case.
Several jurors were dismissed following their in-private interviews.
And then there were the peremptory challenges. Robidou’s defense attorney, Julie Willoughby excused 10 prospective jurors out of hand; district attorney Jean Seaton excused 5.
Lawyers do not have to give a reason for a “pre-empt,” but based on the questions she asked in open court, Willoughby was clearly trying to find jurors with strong principles of justice.
Among other things, she asked:
–Do you believe in a fundamental right to confront your accusers?
–How do you know if someone’s telling the truth?
–Who has the most difficulty knowing who is telling the truth?
Willoughby’s answer to this question prompted an immediate objection from the state:
Willoughby — It’s actually judges and cops.
Seaton — May we approach, your Honor?
George — Yes.
Jury pool — (laughter)
Willoughby also questioned jurors about the meaning of “a reasonable doubt,” and she frequently reminded them that the state’s burden was to prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
After a day-and-a-half of work, a jury was finally empaneled at 1 PM. At 2 PM, Jean Seaton began to build the state’s case against Robidou.
“This would be easier if you were passed out,” she opened, paraphrasing the words Robidou is alleged to have said to one of his victims, as he clasped his hands around her neck.
Seaton then ran through the litany of charges against Robidou, claiming he engaged in a range of non-consensual behaviors, from groping the women, exposing himself to them, both at school and at their homes, forcing them to touch his exposed genitals, masturbating in front of them, and in one instance threatening violence.
None of the charges involve physical rape or the use of a weapon. And the victims, Seaton noted, did not immediately come forward.
But, in her remarks to jury, Seaton said this didn’t matter.
“All three of the witnesses were fairly reluctant to come forward. The state of Alaska is bringing the charges, not the three witnesses, who realized that their lives — everything they do — is going to be put under a microscope and criticized. But they will tell you what happened to them at the hands of the man who should have been looking out for their safety. The man they should have been able to trust. The man they should have been able to go to if they had problems like this.”
The judge recessed court for the day following the state’s opening. The defense will open in the morning.
