Lemasters jury trial set to begin June 10
The videotaped statements of two juveniles who were allegedly sexually abused by former Platte City businessman Daryl Lemasters will be allowed as evidence in an upcoming jury trial.
Platte County Judge Lee Hull on Monday granted a motion filed May 15 by the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office to allow the statements — as well as statements made by the alleged victims to their mother — per state statute that says statements made outside the courtroom by minors under the age of 14 that may otherwise be considered hearsay be allowed if meeting certain criteria.
Hull’s ruling comes after two weeks of deliberation following a May 20 hearing during which Hull heard arguments from the Prosecutor’s Office as well as those of attorneys for Lemasters, who faces several felony sodomy accounts. Lemasters’ jury trial is set to begin June 10 at the Platte County Courthouse.
Hull’s ruling stated, in part: “From the evidence presented at the hearing May 20, 2013, the court finds that with regard to both girls’ statements that the time, content and circumstances of their statements to the forensic interviewer and to their mother have sufficient indicia of reliability. The Court noted the spontaneity and directness of both girls’ statements to the forensic interviewer; no motive to fabricate was evidenced... Both young girls exhibited clarity and distinctness in their plain, appropriate responses to the specific questions asked.”