U.S. Senate Judiciary member Ben Sasse is asking the federal Department of Justice to assist in the prosecution of the Furnas County child sex trafficking investigation, even as a jury trial is underway against the main principle in the case. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Sen. Sasse said the Department of Justice should work with Nebraska to prosecute William Quinn and his accomplices.
A jury trial is now being conducted in Furnas County District Court on 14 charges against Quinn. The trial is expected to conclude by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, Quinn’s defense attorneys have responded. Mallory Hughes says it has the potential to taint the jury and the entire criminal process. Joe Howard said the decision to file in state court or federal court was made a long time ago and to discuss that in the media mid-trial is unfair to both the prosecution and the defense.
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Defense Attorney Mallory Hughes and Joe Howard’s statements can be found below:
“(It) has the potential to taint the jury and the entire criminal justice process,” Hughes said. “It is disappointing that a Nebraska senator would essentially ignore the separation of powers and a citizen’s right to a fair and impartial jury trial by making inflammatory comments during the pendency of a trial by jury, for what appears to be nothing other than potential political gain. The Senator appears to be playing judge, juror and executioner before the actual jurors have even heard all of the evidence and testimony.” – Mallory Hughes
“The decision to file in state court or federal court was made a long time ago. To Monday morning quarterback that decision mid-trial, and to discuss that in the media, is unfair to both the prosecution and the defense. Neither party tries cases in the media, nor should those with political agendas.” -Joe Howard
