Lebanon — Trial proceedings began in the child molestation case of a Lebanon man.
Edward Brant, 40, had his first day in court Tuesday for his Class C felony charge of child molesting. His case is in Boone County Superior Court I.
The majority of the day was spent selecting the jury. Opening statements began about 2:45 p.m.
During opening statements both Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer and defense attorney Michael Gross said the circumstances regarding the case, and the people, are certainly not all that pleasant.
“This is the type of case no one wants to be a part of,” Meyer said. “But this is the type of case that is utterly important to this community.”
“When the dust settles on this case, you’re (the jury) not going to like any of the adults in this case,” Gross said.
It is the Reporter’s policy not to name victims of alleged crimes.
Meyer said the prosecution believes that while an 11-year-old girl was sleeping over at a friend’s house in the early-morning hours of Sept. 30, Brant snuck into the bedroom, lay down next to her and placed his hand between her legs. The girl then woke up, kicked Brant away and called her mother.
Gross argues that Brant mistakenly touched the girl believing she was a woman with whom he wanted to have sex. Gross said Brant had been drinking heavily earlier that night and attributed the mistake largely to Brant’s drunken state.
Police officers Kevin Stump and Rich Mount said Brant was arrested later that day without incident.
Both attorneys stated that Brant had been in the girls’ bedroom at least once before on that night. Meyer said Brant tried to lie next to the girl but she was awake and reacted, so he left the room.
Gross argued that Brant went in to check on the girls and simply pulled a blanket over the girl to keep her warm.
According to testimony and opening statements, the girls had planned to sleep over at the alleged victim’s home, however the family recently got a new dog that did not react well to the visitor, so they decided to sleep at the other girl’s home. The other girl’s mother was already out drinking with several friends, including Brant.
Stephanie Harshman was at the home, and it was Harshman, Gross said, that Brant thought he was following into the bedroom later that night. Harshman testified in court that Brant did show interest in her by way of making some “rude” comments about her body.
The case continues and may conclude today.
Local News
Local man stands trial for child molesting
- Local News
-
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Two Boone County residents appear to have measles, while two Hamilton County residents — including at least one who visited the Super Bowl Village in Indianapolis on a day it was attended by about 200,000 people — have been confirmed as having the disease.
-
Skillman brings tour to county
Elected officials in Boone County are being proactive in “trying to address issues they know are coming down the road,” Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said after meeting representatives of nine local governments.
-
County council field expands to 6
An incumbent at-large member of the Boone County Council will seek election to the board, while a sixth candidate has joined the field for the Republican Party’s nomination for the three at-large seats.
-
Stocking Up
The store is still hiring. “We are very excited to come to town,” said General Manager Jon Keller.
-
Communities evaluate success in bowl roles
While the world was focused on downtown Indianapolis in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVI, many outlying communities — including Lebanon and Zionsville — were also playing a role, taking care of visitors, working at the event or taking in the celebration leading up to the big game.
-
Thomas takes reins of learning network
The Boone County Learning Network is looking in a new direction with a new executive director, Michele Thomas.
-
Lebanon High School graduate turns Naptown Roller Girl
Indianapolis, sometimes called “Naptown,” is known for its NFL football team, Motor Speedway, and — on a good day — its basketball team.
-
Deputy-involved accidents down over last 5 years
Accidents involving Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been falling steadily since 2008, insurance agent Dan Lamar told the county commissioners Monday.
-
Zbowl winterfest
-
Referrals help food support group grow
Interest and participation in a food support group begun in November at The Caring Center in Lebanon has been boosted by referrals from other agencies.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
