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Judge nixes city bid to delay police abuse trial
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A federal judge today nixed a city of Pittsburgh request to delay a trial in a police abuse case in light of the resignation last week of Chief Nate Harper.
U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab wrote his order in the case of Jarret Fate, who sued the city, Mr. Harper and Assistant Chief George Trosky in relation to a 2010 run-in with former city Detective Bradley Walker. Mr. Walker was found guilty of three misdemeanors in what has been described as a road rage incident. Mr. Walker was fired from the city police, but Mr. Fate has argued that he was not appropriately supervised.
The city sought to delay the March 18 trial. Judge Schwab wrote that the city's reason for seeking the postponement was "perceived 'extreme' negative publicity" surrounding Mr. Harper. Judge Schwab continued that "there is no reason to believe that any publicity surrounding Mr. Harper would diminish over the [four to six] months for which Defendants request for a continuance. To the contrary, it is possible, if the investigation continues and if proceedings are instituted against Mr. Harper, that such publicity may increase and become more negative over the time period requested for a continuance."
First Published February 25, 2013 6:45 pm
