Champion man goes on trial for rape of family member

WARREN — A 60-year-old Champion man went on trial today in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, charged with raping his 13-year-old granddaughter Jan. 28, 2006.

In opening statements to the jury, Diane Barber, an assistant county prosecutor, said DNA evidence taken from the girl’s body at an area hospital will be offered to show that Martin E. Warren of Cleveland Avenue committed the crimes.

Jeff Goodman, one of Warren’s defense attorneys, said in his opening statement the “unreliable and inconsistent” statements from the girl and “very inconsistent and very unreliable” DNA evidence to be presented will not convince the jury of any type of crime.

“His denial is absolute, and it is consistent,” Goodman said.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com