May 24, 2005

Ill witness causes proceedings to be delayed for the weekend

MISSISSIPPI
Delta Democrat Times

By ELORIA NEWELL JAMES / elorianewelljames@ddtonline.com

The trial of a Baptist minister accused of molesting his stepdaughters resumed in the Washington County Courthouse today.

Friday, Circuit Court Judge Ashley Hines continued the case against Michael F. Palmer until today.

Hines said the continuance was needed because a witness' illness led to the delay in the sexual battery case, that began last week.

The defendant, Michael F. Palmer, 41, is a Baptist minister from Leland. He is accused of molesting two stepdaughters. The girls, now ages 13 and 15, were 10 and 12 when the alleged molestation began. According to testimony, the acts continued for about 18 months before law enforcement was notified.

Posted by kshaw at May 24, 2005 07:57 AM