Florida trucker accused of rape of child allowed to withdraw guilty plea
A Fayette County judge permitted a Florida trucker accused of raping an 11-year-old girl to withdraw his guilty plea just before his sentencing Tuesday.
Eric Fischer, the attorney for Christopher William Brown, 28, of Sebastian, Florida, said he was attempting to speak with Fayette County District Attorney Rich Bower about the case for weeks, but did not receive a call back.
Brown is accused of meeting up with the girl in North Union Township in July and taking her to Hampton Inn in Uniontown on two occasions. He allegedly had sex with the girl and photographed their encounters.
The Herald-Standard does not identify those who allege they are victims of sexual assault.
On Jan. 19, Brown entered guilty pleas to all of his charges. He is charged with two counts each of kidnap and interference with child custody, four counts each of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, and indecent assault of a person less than 13 and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
Fischer said he prepared a motion to withdraw the guilty plea, but had not heard back from Bower about whether the request was granted or denied. He said he was told the alleged victim recanted “much, if not all” of her statements.
“You haven’t said it, but I’m curious if your client is declaring his innocence,” Fayette County Judge Linda R. Cordaro said to Fischer.
Fischer said Brown is declaring his innocence.
Assistant District Attorney Sean Lementowski told the judge it seemed “kind of dubious” to attempt to withdraw the plea on the day the sentencing was scheduled, but Fischer said Bower was aware of the plans for “weeks, if not months.”
Cordaro granted the motion and said the case will be scheduled for the trial list.