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	Motion for Continuance Filed in Edouard Case By Steve Woodhouse Journal-Express June 20, 2011 http://journalexpress.net/local/x947033500/Motion-for-continuance-filed-in-Edouard-case The attorney for former Pella Pastor Patrick Edouard has filed a motion for continuance. Edouard, 41, a former pastor at the Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, was arrested March 23 and charged with three counts of sexual abuse third degree and four counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor. Court records indicate that Edouard, pictured, forced sexual contact on at least three women while serving as the minister from 2003-10. Each sexual abuse complaint included statements that Edouard told the women that if they reported the abuse, no one would believe them. In one case, he told the woman that her husband would not forgive her. A pretrial conference in the case is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 24, at 9:30 a.m. The trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 12. In her motion, filed June 15, Edouard's attorney Angela Campbell requests additional time to investigate the case, perform depositions and otherwise prepare for trial. She notes that prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Laura Roan, has no objection to the motion. Campbell indicates that parties are available for trial the week beginning Sept. 19, as well as the weeks of Sept. 26 and Oct. 17. No ruling has been made on the motion as of this writing. In addition, a request has been made for expanded media coverage of the trial, which if approved would allow cameras inside the courtroom. There is a note from Judge Darrell Goodhue that indicates that the order will be considered when something else is coming up. Campbell has subpoenaed telephone records for two Pella numbers, reservation records for four Des Moines hotels regarding specific female names from Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2008. Campbell has also sought any and all records, notes, interviews, letters or other documents related to Edouard's resignation from the church, including records of notes or letters regarding four females. Edouard has moved to Byron Center, Mich., after resigning from his position at the church. It has been reported that Edouard resigned after being confronted with the accusations by the church board. He is out on bond.
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