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	Pastor Wants Dismissal in Mall Fondling Case Lawyers Say He Passed Lie Detector Test, Also Want Charges Tried Separately By Phil Trexler Beacon Journal October 5, 2007 http://www.ohio.com/news/10258407.html An area pastor accused of fondling two women while they shopped is asking a judge to dismiss the case, contending he has passed a lie detector test. Attorneys for the Rev. Adam P. Barton of The Chapel are also asking Akron Municipal Judge Eve Belfance to have the two charges of sexual imposition tried separately, if she denies their request to toss out the case. In court papers filed this week, Barton's attorneys say retired Akron police Sgt. Sean Matheny gave Barton a polygraph test on Sept. 17. "The test results show that Mr. Barton was truthful regarding the essential elements of the offense with which he is charged," attorney Annette Powers wrote in her motion. Powers also cites a recent Summit County case in which another judge allowed an accused rapist's polygraph test results to be considered. The man was acquitted after a trial. Powers declined to comment. She has asked that Belfance hold a hearing on the motions. No date has been set. Akron city prosecutor Doug Powley said Thursday that he intends to oppose both motions. He declined further comment. Barton, 33, the pastor of young families and married couples at Akron's largest church, is currently scheduled for trial Oct. 18. He faces up to one year in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor offenses. Barton has denied the charges and is currently free on bond. After his arrest, the eight-year pastor was placed on pastoral leave. He was accused in July of fondling the buttocks of a woman who was shopping at the Charlotte Russe store at Chapel Hill Mall. The woman reported the incident to mall security and identified Barton, who was walking through the mall. During the woman's conversation with security officers, a second woman, 17, approached and reported that the same man patted her on the buttocks as she bent over looking at bras inside Victoria's Secret. The accusers did not know each other and the incidents occurred about 20 minutes apart at two different women's stores, police said. Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com.
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