Police sex-assault case postponed
A jury trial has been postponed in the civil suit filed by James Harris, who claims he was sexually assaulted by an on-duty Philadelphia police officer in 2007.
Harris contends Officer Michael Paige forced him to perform oral sex inside his police cruiser at a secluded area of Fairmount Park during the early-morning hours of March 16, 2007.
Paige allegedly ejaculated into Harris’ mouth.
Through DNA analysis, Paige’s seminal fluid was detected in a cup that Harris spat into, according to court records.
But Paige denies that he had sex with Harris.
Instead, Paige contends that Harris obtained Paige’s semen from a condom in the park that Paige had discarded after a prior sexual encounter with a female, — then placed the semen into a cup along with Harris’ saliva, according to court papers.
Harris is suing Paige for an unspecified amount in monetary damages.
A jury trial was scheduled to begin May 7 at the U.S. Courthouse in Center City.
But Paige has been unexpectedly deployed for military service.
This week, U.S. District Judge Robert F. Kelly set a new trial date, for 9:30 a.m. June 25 in Courtroom 11B of the U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market St.
The trial is expected to last five days, according to court records.
Paige was dismissed from the police force shortly after the alleged incident.
In 2008, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Anthony J. DeFino dismissed all criminal charges against Paige, questioning the credibility of Harris.
Paige returned to the police force in April 2009, after an independent arbitrator reduced his discipline from dismissal to a 30-day suspension.
Brian M. Puricelli, an attorney for Paige, couldn’t be reached for comment.
Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, expressed optimism about the upcoming trial.
“I’m confident that my client will finally get some sense of justice in his life, so that he can move forward with his recovery process,” Humble told PGN. “But he’ll never fully recover from the extreme violation he endured.”
Man sues 12th Street Gym
A December trial date has been set for the case of Joseph Montgomery, a former member of the 12th Street Gym who claims he was permanently disfigured there when a framed picture fell on him.
Montgomery, who no longer patronizes the gym, filed a civil suit against the gym last November.
“On Dec. 7, 2010, plaintiff was working out in an acceptable manner when a framed glass picture fell off a wall and on top of plaintiff’s head, and subsequently shattered, causing pieces of glass to be lodged into plaintiff’s head, neck and shoulder,” Montgomery’s lawsuit states.
Gym staffers didn’t respond to the incident in an appropriate manner, the lawsuit states.
“12th Street Gym didn’t call an ambulance to transport plaintiff to a hospital,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff had to walk to an emergency room by himself, in cold conditions, shortly after sustaining injuries.”
The Center City gym, which has a predominantly LGBT clientele, has denied any liability for Montgomery’s alleged injuries, according to defense papers.
Montgomery suffered a disfiguring scar to his right shoulder, which has limited his ability to earn money via body-building contests. He’s seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages, according to his lawsuit.
Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Marlene F. Lachman is scheduled to preside over the jury trial, tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 3, 2012, at City Hall Courtroom 443.
Kevin R. McNulty, an attorney for the gym, had no comment for this story.
Cyrus B. Shaw, an attorney for Montgomery, also declined to comment.
— Tim Cwiek
Screening, training in Rustin’s honor
William Way LGBT Community Center will stage a free film screening and nonviolent direct-action training this weekend to commemorate the 100th birthday of LGBT-rights pioneer Bayard Rustin.
The center will collaborate with The African American Museum in Philadelphia for a screening of “Brother Outsider,” 6 p.m. May 11 at the museum, 701 Arch St. The film looks at Rustin’s life and accomplishments, including his work as an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 12, the center, 1315 Spruce St., will host a workshop on successful direct-action techniques. Interested guests must RSVP to [email protected] or 215-732-2220.
Town hall looks at AIDS strategy
HIV/AIDS advocates are invited to attend Road to AIDS, a town-hall discussion on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, from 5-8 p.m. May 14 at the Mayor’s Reception Room in City Hall.
Road to AIDS is conducting a nationwide tour to raise awareness about the strategy and garner input for this year’s International AIDS Conference.
Speakers at the Philadelphia event include Francisco Ruiz of the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors and Megan Warren of the International AIDS Conference.
The effort is being spearheaded by Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention Services and Community Education Group and the International AIDS Society.
LGBT vets to mobilize in Philly
A national LGBT veterans’ association is in the process of forming in the local area.
American Veterans for Equal Rights, which has provided wide-ranging services to LGBT veterans and servicemembers since 1990, is organizing members for a Philadelphia-Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter and a Pride Parade Color Guard.
Veterans, servicemembers, reservists and other supporters can email [email protected] or call 718-849-5665 for more information.
Discussion on immigration
Stories of LGBT immigration will take front and center at a listening forum organized by Hotpot! Philly next week.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at The Rotunda, 4011 Walnut St., and will include a panel discussion led by LGBT immigrants and service providers, with policy updates on LGBT immigration issues.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/365071936862197.
Eating for ASAIC
ASIAC will present its inaugural Banyan Tree Project Philadelphia Brunch at 11:30 a.m. May 20 at Joy Tsin Lau, 1026 Race St.
The brunch will raise funds to support the programs and services at the HIV/AIDS agency.
Tickets are $48 per person.
For more information or to purchase tickets, email [email protected] or visit www.asiac.org.
Fashion philanthropy
The Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society will host a panel discussion later this month to address the role of image in media and raise funds for MenzFit, a nonprofit that provides men with professional attire.
The discussion, themed “Man in the Mirror,” begins 6 p.m. May 22 at the “NBC10! Show” studio, 10 Monument Road in Bala Cynwyd.
Kevin Parker, creator of Philadelphia Fashion Week, will moderate the discussion, which will include remarks from local stylists, business owners and fashion writers.
The event is free for PBPRS members and $15 for nonmembers.
For more information, visit www.pbprs.com.
— Jen Colletta