July 8, 2004
The courtroom was packed with press as Steve Kurtz and his lawyer Paul Cambria
arrived. The proceedings lasted almost two hours. The charges are the same as
in the http://www.caedefensefund.org/indictment.pdf indictment.
Kurtz pleaded "not guilty." Most of the court time was devoted to working out
the restrictions on the accused (or shall we call him the perp? He certainly
did a good perp walk yesterday).
It is important to note that the harassment which continues to characterize this
case was evident in the courtroom also. Prosecutor Hochul had filled the jury
box with invitees from the FBI and Joint Terrorist Task Force (Department of
Defense) guys (they were recognized by Cambria and another lawyer). Since they
were not there to give testimony, the purpose of their presence seemed to be
to make the situation look more serious legally than it is, thereby hoping to
influence the judge to make harsher conditions for the accused. However, the
judge did not seem to be intimidated.
Steve will have to see a probation officer every week, and is subject to random
visits and inspections by the officer to his home. He is also subject to random
drug testing and may have to wear a drug patch. He can travel within the continental
United States but has to get special permission for foreign travel (which he
can do only for business or family reasons, surrendering his passport every time
he returns to the US). He also has to get special permission for any travel that
would interrupt meeting with the probation officer. Steve will be allowed to
order more "biological materials," but will have to first alert his US probation
office, his University Health and Bio-safety officer and his lawyer, Paul Cambria.
Upon being booked, Steve did not have to post bond--if he violates any of the
conditions he will have to pay a $1000 fine. He is obligated to report parking
tickets or any other official problem, or any interaction with law enforcement
authorities. Upon arraignment Steve was finger-printed, photographed, and he
gave a urine sample for drug testing. He passed the test!
Steve is still not talking to the press. The next court date is July 28--Ferrell's
arraignment, which will include a discussion of the trial.
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