Thursday, March 21, 2002
The assistant prosecutor could face suspension of his license, state officials said.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- An assistant Trumbull County prosecutor was to find himself on the other side of the courtroom today.
Thomas Wrenn was to appear before a three-member panel selected by the state Supreme's Court disciplinary counsel in a Trumbull County Common Pleas courtroom to answer a formal complaint of ethical misconduct.
Other than denying any wrongdoing, Wrenn will not comment.
Jonathan E. Coughlan, of the disciplinary counsel's office, said Wednesday the hearing is scheduled for today and Friday.
Afterward, the panel will make a written recommendation to the full disciplinary board, which will send its recommendation to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
Wrenn could face suspension of his law license, state officials said.
Basis of complaint: The complaint says Wrenn withheld the results of a DNA test in a 1999 case, telling a judge and defense attorney the results were not available.
The results revealed that semen found on the shirt of a 12-year-old boy was the boy's -- not that of the defendant, the complaint stated.
In a plea agreement, Leonard Derr of Sharon pleaded guilty to one count of gross sexual imposition and was sentenced to three years in prison.
He had been indicted on two counts of gross sexual imposition and one count of rape.
Was a coach: Derr was a youth baseball coach and the boy was a member of his team.
When Philip M. Vigorito, Derr's attorney, found out about the test findings he asked the court to allow Derr to change his plea. Judge Andrew Logan granted the request.
On July 31, Derr pleaded guilty to an amended indictment of one count of gross sexual imposition. He was sentenced to three years in prison and given credit for the 14 months he had served.
sinkovich@vindy.com