Readiness Conference Trailed for Accused Pastor/coach

By Chelcey Adami
Inland Valley Press
March 11, 2014

http://www.ivpressonline.com/news/local/readiness-conference-trailed-for-accused-pastor-coach/article_f5124516-a8dc-11e3-b008-0017a43b2370.html

The readiness conference scheduled Monday for a local pastor and high school football coach accused of sex crimes was moved to March 19.

New Bethel Baptist Church Pastor Joe Conner faces multiple allegations of child molestation and has been on administrative leave from his position as head coach of the Southwest High School football team as well as from his job at the Naval Air Facility El Centro since being accused last year.

Deputy District Attorney Jill Cristich requested more time to review transcripts and contact witnesses while Conner’s defense attorney, Joseph Camarata, objected.

However, Judge Poli Flores allowed for the readiness conference to be rescheduled to next week, and it’s anticipated that the trial jury selection will begin March 21 or March 24.

Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com