Facebook posts allowed in trial

Facebook posts allowed in trial

WARREN

An order allowing the defense and prosecution to use Facebook posts in the capital murder trial of Nasser Hamad was issued Thursday.

According to a list of stipulations set forth by the court, both parties will be allowed to use posts made by the defendant, or witnesses, in order to try to prove guilt or innocence, reported 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner.

The stipulations say they will not need Facebook representatives to confirm the authenticity of the posts because all the parties admit the posts were made under the accounts of the person or persons listed.

It specifies, however, the posts may not have been made by the person under whose name the account is listed to.

Jury selection began this week in the case against Hamad and is expected to continue next week. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Pastor faces sex charge

EAST PALESTINE

Police are accusing a 49-year-old minister from a Columbiana County religious outreach organization of having sexual contact with an underage girl for close to three years.

Rodney McManus, the pastor at the New Life Outreach Church in East Palestine, was arraigned in county municipal court Thursday on one count of unlawful attempted sexual contact with a minor, reports 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner

According to the complaint filed by East Palestine police, McManus became involved with a teenager who was older than 13 but under age 16 in 2013.

The complaint says in early 2014, McManus touched the girl’s genital area and placed her hand on his genitals. Investigators say the activity took place until August.

McManus owned the Coffee Stop on North Market Street, and it was operated by New Life Outreach Center.