BELLEVILLE – Text messages between prosecutor Lorinda Lamken and Belleville lawyer Alex Enyart have popped up as evidence for the sexual abuse trial of Circuit Judge Ron Duebbert.
On May 3, Lamken filed notice with the circuit clerk that she furnished Duebbert’s lawyers with 13 pages of messages.
The notice identified Enyart as victim advocate and attorney for Carlos Rodriguez of Belleville, who accused Duebbert in an affidavit last year.
Lamken didn’t attach the messages or explain the necessity of the notice.
At a hearing on April 13, prosecutor David Robinson told visiting judge Michael McHaney there was a text message from the victim’s lawyer.
Defense counsel Scott Rosenblum said it was hard to comment, in a tone that made Robinson interrupt.
Robinson told McHaney the defense feels the prosecution lacks transparency.
“That’s absolutely not true,” Robinson said.
Also on May 3, Lamken moved to preclude evidence of prior conduct on the part of Rodriguez and witness Wayne Scott.
She invoked a rape shield law, which generally precludes evidence of “the prior sexual activity or the reputation of the alleged victim or corroborating witness.”
“It is believed that defendant will attempt to introduce statements or cross examine the witnesses regarding alleged prior criminal conduct,” Lamken wrote.
Duebbert’s alleged crime occurred in 2016, while he practiced in criminal defense.
Rodriguez swore in his affidavit that Duebbert grabbed his penis and offered to reduce his fee in exchange for oral sex.
Robinson presented the affidavit to grand jurors, who indicted Duebbert on felony charges of sexual abuse and intimidation.
Lacking an eyewitness, Robinson moved to allow Scott’s testimony that Duebbert abused him 18 years ago.
McHaney ruled in April that Scott could testify.
Robinson and Lamken work as special prosecutors for the state’s chief appellate prosecutor, Patrick Delfino.
McHaney has set trial July 9.