There are new developments in the case of the alleged locker room assault at Clyde-Savannah High School.
A Wayne County Court has determined the case of one of the accused students will be heard in Family Court.
“I know that the community is very concerned with how this case is prosecuted,” said Wayne County Assistant District Attorney Christine Callanan.
Two of the four teens charged in connection with the case were in court on Thursday, while the other two appeared on Wednesday. At issue was whether or not the students’ cases will be heard in Youth Part or Family Court.
“The purpose of cases that are adjudicated in Family Court is an attempt to have supervision provided for these adolescents and juveniles to have them engage in services and attempt to rehabilitate them,” Callanan said, describing the difference between Youth Part and Family Court. “Once you are in a Youth Part, that’s in the Supreme Court, the sentencing can range from probation and supervision to prison or jail. So the Family Court and the way that is dealt with is really to have these children engage in services to really never have them appear in County Court or the Youth Part.”
Three teens are charged with aggravated sexual abuse, hazing and forcible touching, while the 16-year-old, whose case is now moved to Family Court, is charged with two counts of unlawful surveillance.
Callanan will argue the remaining teens’ cases to be adjudicated in Youth Part.
Defense Attorney Michael Schiano, who is representing one of the defendants, will call for a move to Family Court.
“They have to determine whether or not it meets certain criteria to keep it in Youth Part or keep it in Family Court,” he said.
“Under the law, the court and my office really have no authority or discretion, and New York state has made these very clear definitions of what ages and crimes can be prosecuted, and under those laws that we’re mandated to follow, that case has to go to Family Court and there was nothing the judge or my office could do,” said Callanan.
A decision on whether the remaining teens’ cases will be heard in Youth Part or in Family Court is expected the first week in December.
