Attorneys Seek Mistrial over Priest's Testimony

Marin Independent Journal
June 22, 2012

http://www.marinij.com/tablehome/ci_20920209/attorneys-seek-mistrial-over-priests-testimony

Attorneys representing a man accused of assaulting a priest he claims raped him decades ago are seeking a mistrial.

The attorneys claimed Friday that prosecutors committed misconduct in their handling of the priest's testimony.

Father Jerold Lindner denied on Wednesday that he molested William Lynch during a 1975 camping trip. Lynch has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Lindner in 2010 and his trial started Wednesday.

During her opening statements, Santa Clara County deputy district attorney Vicki Gemetti told the jury that Lindner did molest Lynch. Gemetti predicted Lindner would deny the molestation, but urged the jury to convict Lynch anyway.

Judge David Cena will consider the request Monday morning. If he declines to declare a mistrial, the priest is expected to resume testifying.