Jury selection has been delayed in the case against an MSU student accused of sexually assaulting a woman on campus one year ago.
The trial for Nigel Scarlett, a former high-ranking ASMSU representative, will start March 16 after a separate, ongoing murder trial pushed back the start of Scarlett’s trial, which was originally scheduled for Monday morning.
Scarlett is charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with the alleged assault of an unidentified female Feb. 24, 2008, in Hubbard Hall.
Scarlett was arrested three weeks after the alleged assault and charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. A second count was added one month later when testimony indicated a second sexual act between Scarlett and the victim was alleged to have taken place.
Third-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony classified as sexual penetration when the defendant knows or has reason to know the victim is physically helpless. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Scarlett’s lawyer, Patrick Eagan, has previously said he doesn’t think there is enough evidence to prove that a sexual encounter between Scarlett and the victim was not consensual.
Scarlett resigned from his position as ASMSU Student Assembly vice chairperson for external affairs one week after his arrest.
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