The defense team for former Asotin County Judge Scott Gallina has had its request for an evidentiary hearing denied.
The 58-year-old Gallina is charged with second-degree rape, indecent liberties and third-degree assaults while working as a judge in Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties. He has denied all wrongdoing, and is expected to go on trial this spring in Asotin County.
Gallina’s charges are based on two alleged victims, but multiple women reported incidents involving the former judge. Prosecutors with the Washington Attorney General’s Office say inappropriate sexual comments and unwanted touching were part of the judge’s routine at the courthouse on a consistent basis. They argued the other women should be allowed to testify about Gallina’s “widespread and pervasive behavior.”
However, the state argued against an evidentiary hearing, saying it would amount to a “mini-trial,” and subject the witnesses to an unnecessary public interrogation by the defense.
Defense attorneys argued the women’s “fragmented and inaccurate history” should not be allowed at trial, and the testimonies would be “extremely prejudicial” to their client. Additionally, they say only two women are connected to the charges, and testimony from the others would jeopardize Gallina’s chance at a fair trial.
Judge Michael Price said he considered the matter in detail before denying the defense’s request for a hearing involving the state’s witnesses before the trial begins. (Lewiston Tribune)
