Closing arguments expected Friday in old rape case


YOUNGSTOWN

Closing arguments are set for Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in a rape case that first was indicted in 2010.

Judge Maureen Sweeney has been hearing the case against 49-year-old Maurice Clark of Canfield Road, who is accused of attacking a woman in September 2009.

Clark was indicted in April 2010, but the case has seen numerous delays in getting to trial.

In February, a legal advocacy group filed a writ of mandamus asking the 7th District Court of Appeals to hear the case, saying the wait was too long for the victim to receive justice,

On Thursday, Prosecutor Paul J. Gains said most of the continuances were asked for by defense lawyer Tom Zena.

A check of the court record shows nine continuances were requested by the defense, four were agreed on by both the defense and prosecution, and once the prosecution asked for a continuance.

Gains said when prosecutors asked for a continuance, it was because the victim had to go out of town when the trial was scheduled.

Jury selection was Monday, and jurors began hearing testimony Wednesday.

Read more about the case in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.

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