Police sex-assault case scheduled for June 25
Jury selection is set to begin next week in the federal lawsuit filed by James Harris, who claims he was sexually assaulted by an on-duty Philadelphia police officer in 2007.
Harris, 34, contends that Officer Michael Paige repeatedly forced him to perform oral sex inside his police cruiser at a secluded area of Fairmount Park during the pre-dawn hours of March 16, 2007.
Paige is currently employed by the Philadelphia Police Department, patrolling the streets of West Philadelphia.
There is DNA evidence allegedly corroborating Harris’ story, but Paige denies that he had sex with Harris, according to court records.
A jury trial was scheduled to begin May 7, but Paige was unexpectedly deployed for military service.
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.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey is listed as a possible witness, according to court records.
Paige was dismissed from the police force shortly after the alleged sexual assault.
In 2008, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Anthony J. DeFino dismissed all criminal charges against Paige after publicly 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, had no comment for this story.
Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, said Paige’s alleged behavior is a matter of public concern.
“My client has immense courage,” Humble told PGN. “If it weren’t for James Harris, this incident would have been swept under the rug a log time ago. At least he’s letting people know what goes on in Philadelphia.”
Humble said the exact amount of damages Harris seeks hasn’t been specified at press time.
“We will be seeking substantial remuneration for my client’s pain and suffering — as well as punitive damages for the egregious behavior of Paige,” Humble said.
Records allegedly destroyed in transgender antibias case
Attorneys for a transgender woman who’s suing her former employer for wrongful termination filed a motion last week alleging that the firm destroyed “highly relevant” records in the case.
Janis Stacy of Kunkletown worked as an engineer at LSI Corp. for about 10 years before she was terminated in 2008.
Stacy sued in federal court two years ago, claiming the Allentown electronics firm terminated her because of her gender, gender identity and disability.
According to a June 11 motion filed by Stacy’s attorneys, LSI destroyed electronically stored information that would have helped jurors compare Stacy’s job skills with those of her former coworkers.
The alleged destruction took place after LSI was notified of the potential for litigation due to Stacy’s termination, according to the motion.
“[LSI] failed in their duty to preserve the records and in doing so forever prejudiced [Stacy’s] ability to fairly litigate this matter,” the motion states.
The motion requests that jurors be instructed that they’re permitted to infer that the contents of the destroyed records would have been favorable to Stacy.
Robert W. Cameron, an attorney for LSI, had no comment about the motion.
According to court papers, LSI requested an indefinite extension to respond to the motion, which was granted by U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno on June 15.
In defense papers, LSI contends Stacy was terminated due to workforce reductions, and because she lacked the skills necessary to help move the company forward.
But Stacy contends she was more skilled than coworkers who remained at LSI after her termination.
She’s suing for an unspecified amount in monetary damages.
At press time, no date has been scheduled for a jury trial.
— Tim Cwiek
LGBT youth prom
The 17th annual Alternative Prom will bring together LGBT and allied youth for an “Evening Under the Stars,” 8 p.m.-midnight June 29 at Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St.
The event will feature dinner, dancing, raffles, music by DJ Mz Deluxx and the election of the Royal Court. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased at GALAEI, The Attic Youth Center, Youth-Health Empowerment Project, Giovanni’s Room or Mazzoni Center. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25.
GALAEI has a selection of free prom dresses up for grabs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at its office, 1207 Chestnut St.
For more information, contact Sergio Morales at [email protected] or 215-851-1822.
— Jen Colletta