Trial delayed for former Colours head
A trial set to begin last week in the embezzlement case against the executive director of a local LGBT organization was delayed.
Ralph Godbolt was scheduled for trial July 17 at the Criminal Justice Center, but his defense attorney requested a continuance, which was granted by Common Pleas Court Judge Giovanni Campbell.
Defense attorney Michael Benz told the judge that the high volume of paperwork in the case necessitated more preparation time. A new trial date of Oct. 23 was set.
Godbolt, 40, became executive director of The Colours Organization, Inc., an LGBT group of people of color, in early 2012.
He is no longer listed as executive director on the organization’s website.
According to court records, Godbolt was arrested Jan. 9 for offenses that occurred June 20, 2012. Godbolt allegedly stole money from Colours, although the total amount in question is unclear.
He faces charges of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and theft by failure to make the required disposition of funds received.
Godbolt took over as director of Colours after former director Robert Burns passed away suddenly at the end of 2011. Prior to Burns’ tenure, another director, Dorena Kearney, who served at the helm from 2001-07, was indicted for embezzling more than $130,000 from the organization. Kearney pleaded guilty in 2009 and was sentenced to one year in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Memorial set for Dignity member
LGBT Catholic group Dignity Philadelphia will host a memorial next month in honor of the late Charlie Kinsky.
The service will take place 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.
For more information, email [email protected].
— Jen Colletta
New deadline in Shephard case
A new deadline has been set for an appellate brief to be filed in the Jason Shephard murder case.
In 2008, a Delaware County jury convicted William F. Smithson of strangling Shephard while trying to rape him. But Smithson’s advocates say there’s no direct evidence linking him to the murder.
They say Smithson’s conviction was largely due to homophobia and that police failed to investigate F. Bruce Covington, who was also inside Smithson’s home when Shephard died.
Smithson is appealing his conviction in state Superior Court. His appellate brief was due July 17 but, at his request, the court recently extended the deadline to Sept. 15, with the caveat that no additional extensions will be granted.
In a prior interview, Smithson said he was heavily drugged by Covington and passed out while Shephard was still alive.
After Smithson’s appellate brief is filed, prosecutor William D. Toal 3d will have 30 days to respond.
Judge mulls cop request
Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Jacqueline F. Allen continues to review the request of Officer Michael A. Paige, who wants the city to reimburse him for legal fees totaling $189,991.55.
The fees were incurred by attorney Brian M. Puricelli, who defended Paige against allegations that he sexually assaulted James Harris in 2007.
In March, Allen presided over a brief trial pertaining to Paige’s reimbursement request. Earlier this month, she said she needed more time to make a decision.
Harris claims Paige forced him to perform oral sex and digitally penetrated his anus in a secluded area of Fairmount Park, but Paige denies the allegations. He was cleared of criminal wrongdoing shortly after the incident.
The officer claims Harris located one of his discarded condoms in the park, and used its contents to frame him.
Harris denies framing Paige and, in 2012, a federal jury awarded Harris $165,000 in damages.
Paige contends the city should have defended him at his federal trial, and should reimburse him for Puricelli’s services.
— Tim Cwiek
Pride set for Delaware
The Delaware Pride festival will be held Aug. 2 in Dover.
The event returns after having been cancelled last year.
This year’s theme is “Reflections of Pride: Stonewall 45,” which speaks to the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the impact the battle for equality has on the LGBT community worldwide.
The festival will take place from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. in the capital city in front of the historic Legislative Hall. For more information, visit www.delawarepride.org.
— Matty Bennett