Judge’s Decision Below on Priors
05/29/09 06:50 AM
Judge in Wilson hazing case refuses to revisit ruling
WILSON—The judge presiding over the case of two Wilson High School baseball coaches charged in an alleged hazing incident refused Thursday a request to revisit his previous ruling that barred evidence of the coaches’ actions or inactions previous to the alleged crime.
In a written ruling issued Thursday, Town Justice George R. Berger denied a motion from Assistant District Attorney Robert A. Zucco asking the judge to reconsider his April 23 ruling preventing the introduction of the evidence—unless the defense raises the subject first. The judge said introducing this information would be “prejudicial.â€
Thomas J. Baia and William M. Atlas face misdemeanor child endangerment charges. They are accused of failing to act during a team bus ride April 17, 2008, when varsity players were allegedly harassing junior varsity players.
A jury trial is scheduled to begin July 6. The trial for the three former varsity players is scheduled to get under way June 20.