A trial for a Manhattan man accused of multiple sex crimes against three minors won’t happen until at least the summer.
Riley County District Judge Kendra Lewison said Monday she’ll aim for a June trial in the case of Robert Iacobellis, who faces 26 counts including allegations of rape and aggravated indecent liberties.
No specific date was set was because the calendar has not been set out that far and there are still uncertainties about how juror selection will be conducted, under COVID-19 restrictions.
Defense Attorney Brenda Jordan stated the defense is also awaiting a redacted report from the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which it needs to review.
A motion to protect victim mental health records was also approved. The defendant will have access to review those records but won’t be allowed to keep a copy.
Judge Lewison has scheduled a Jan. 11 hearing for further scheduling in the case and says she’ll continue to work on a time frame for a 5-7 day trial.
Iacobellis was arrested in August 2019 and if convicted could spend the rest of his life in prison, as 24 of the 26 counts carry a life sentence. He pleaded not guilty at a July 7 hearing.
