The trial of Oliver Lewis, who is accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy on multiple occasions in April and June, was set to begin in Magistrates’ Court Friday morning.
However, certain evidence was only recently disclosed to the defence, causing a delay.
“I received a photo album yesterday at 4:20 p.m.,” said Stephen Daniels, who is representing Mr. Lewis. “I’m going to need to go over certain things with the defendant.”
Magistrate Dr. Velon John said he understood the defence’s position, and offered to adjourn the matter.
The album of photographs shows the locations of the alleged acts for which Mr. Lewis is being tried, according to prosecutors.
“Photographs are very, very important as evidence,” Dr. John said. “I think photographs are crucial.”
Mr. Lewis, a 34-year-old native of Guyana, has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of indecency with a child under the age of 14. According to the allegations, he was a friend to the family of the 13-year-old boy who he brought to a Mount Healthy residence, where he performed oral sex on him.
It was the first of several occasions on unknown dates in April and June that the defendant picked up the boy — both from his home and from school — and allegedly engaged in sexual acts with him, prosecutors said.
Mr. Lewis is currently on a $60,000 bail with two signed sureties. The trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.
See the Jan. 16, 2014 edition for full coverage.