Trial begins in 5-year-old rape case


Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jurors heard opening statements and testimony Wednesday in a rape case from 2010.

Maurice Clark, 49, of Canfield Road is accused of raping and kidnapping a woman in Youngstown in September 2009. Clark was indicted in 2010.

Jury selection began Monday in the trial before Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen Sweeney.

A legal-advocacy group filed a writ of mandamus on behalf of the accuser in the 7th District Court of Appeals in February, asking the appeals court to force Judge Sweeney to try the case because the accuser had waited too long for an outcome.

The court has yet to issue a ruling. The group did say it would consider withdrawing its complaint if the case was heard quickly.

The purported crimes occurred Sept. 14, 2009, at Clark’s residence.

After his arrest, Clark was released on $40,000 bond.

He was re-arrested after being placed on the U.S. marshals’ most-wanted list when he failed to appear for trial Jan. 3, 2013.

Clark is in Mahoning County jail without bond.

Court records show the trial had been postponed 21 times, most recently Feb. 17.

By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

» Accept
» Learn More