posted 01-22-2008 09:11 AM            

Ex jail chaplain's sex assault trial is delayed

By AARON SANBORN
asanborn@fosters.com

Article Date: Friday, January 18, 2008
DOVER — Multiple motions have delayed the trial of a former Strafford County jail chaplain accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate during counseling sessions.

The trial, originally scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 28, was delayed during Ralph Flodin's final pretrial conference Wednesday afternoon at Strafford County Superior Court.

Flodin's trial is now scheduled to begin the week of May 5 with a final pretrial conference scheduled for April 27.

Flodin, 70, of 5 Riverside Drive in Alton, faces nine counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, each alleging he fondled a 24-year-old inmate while providing therapy in ways that were not "professionally recognized as ethical or acceptable."

Among the motions awaiting a ruling is one filed in October 2007 by Flodin's attorney, Stephen C. Brown, asking that all nine of Flodin's indictments be dropped. The motion cites mental issues Flodin's accuser has and a possible vendetta she may have against him.

Brown also called the indictments insufficient, noting they allege assaults occurred over a nine-month period beginning in August 2006, a month after he was hired, but notes Flodin had only been counseling the patient for six months.

A motion of discovery filed by Brown asking that records about the complaining witness be provided, including two competency evaluations, also awaits ruling.

In addition to those motions, Brown is also asking the court to allow testimony from Daniel Mangon, the state polygraph operator. Mangon conducted a polygraph test on Flodin in November 2007, according to court documents.

Flodin was hired in July 2006 to fill a new chaplain position responsible for coordinating spiritual programs of all faiths and conducting some counseling. The alleged acts began a month later and continued through April, prosecutors say.

He was fired from his position in May after the victim, unwilling to attend a group counseling session, revealed his alleged conduct to jail officials. A Sheriff's Office investigation began immediately and the case was presented to a grand jury soon thereafter.

All of Flodin's charges are Class A felonies, each punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

posted 01-22-2008 10:51 AM            

Wish he'd pop in here again.

As I write this I realize that I haven't recently check the PP index page to see who's on deck for the next round of photoshop follies.

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"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room."
--(Stanley Kubrick/Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 01-22-2008 11:59 AM            

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"This is our hill and these are our beans."----
Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin, Naked Gun 1988

posted 01-22-2008 01:17 PM            

Hey stat, where's the one for Trimarco?

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"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room."
--(Stanley Kubrick/Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 01-22-2008 01:43 PM            

It might sting a little, but it's all in good fun!

posted 01-22-2008 01:57 PM            

Of course, my wife hates this picture----having her baby boys defaced like that. But sometimes these boys are "less than angelic" and so I don't feel remorse over the mash-up.

posted 01-22-2008 02:04 PM            

1) don't photoshop your wife.

2) refer to rule number one.

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room."
--(Stanley Kubrick/Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove, 1964)