Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/14/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: Scott Jamar

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

KARR APPEARS IN COURT, DATES SET

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that defendant John Mark Karr appeared before Superior Court Judge Cerena Wong in Courtroom 2 this morning on five counts of possessing child pornography in violation of Penal Code section 311.11. Chief Deputy District Attorney Joan Risse appeared for the People of the State of California on the case.

The court first entertained oral argument on the issue of media coverage. Chief Deputy Risse stated that the People did not object to one still camera and one live camera covering the proceedings, but asked the court to exercise its discretion in limiting coverage in a manner so as to prevent a circus atmosphere from developing during these serious proceedings. The defense opposed any visual media coverage of the proceedings. After hearing from an attorney representing the media, the prosecution, and defense counsel, the court ruled that one still camera will be permitted in the courtroom during the proceedings, but no live cameras. The judge further ruled that a Press Democrat photographer would serve as the pool photographer for the media. All other media requests were denied.

The court set the trial for October 2, 2006 at 10:30 a.m., a readiness conference for September 29, 2006 at 9:30 a.m., and a settlement conference for September 25, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. All appearances will be in Courtroom 2. At the defense request, the court will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 concerning the defendant’s bail status. The case was referred to the probation department for a report and recommendation regarding bail.