Rape trial gets underway

BY STACI WILSON

The trial of a Montrose man who faces nearly 300 felony sexual assault counts gets underway Tuesday morning in Susquehanna County Court.

Michael Mead, 41, faces multiple counts each of rape; involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and aggravated indecent assault, as well as charges involving sexual assaults on children under the age of 16.

A jury of eight women and four men, along with two male jury alternates, were selected Monday to hear the case.

President Judge Kenneth Seamans told jurors the case was expected to wrap up by Thursday.

District Attorney Jason Legg told prospective jurors Monday that the assaults began in August 2009 when the victim was 15 years old and continued for 18-20 months.

In opening arguments Tuesday morning, Legg said Mead was a “monster” who preyed on the teen’s vulnerability.

The victim, Legg said, was “scared and embarrassed” about the sexual abuse.

He also said the assaults took their toll on the teen, leading to school absences and loss of sleep.

The Susquehanna County Independent does not identify the victims of alleged sexual assaults.

Legg also outlined for the jurors a list of witnesses who would be presenting testimony at the trial.

The district attorney said Mead first denied the allegations to police; then said the teen was the aggressor in the relationship. He later provided police with a written statement in which he admitted to the sexual relationship with the victim and also acknowledged that he knew it was wrong.

Mead’s attorney, Charles Ross Jr. told the jurors that his client was not a “monster” as the district attorney had called him but rather a hardworking man.

He also said doctors and school officials never picked up on any sign the teen had been sexually assaulted and said the story had been concocted by the girl.

Ross said Mead would be taking the stand in his own defense during the trial.

At the preliminary hearing held in May 2011, the victim testified that Mead had raped her and performed other sexual acts on about 80 separate occasions over the 18-20 month time period at a residence in Bridgewater Twp.

The trial is expected to conclude Thursday.