Motion hearing sets stage for Ford’s upcoming trial
By Julia Wolf
With a trial for Kenneth Ford, 63, Cadott, coming up, attorneys met for a motion hearing Nov. 28, to make preparations.
Ford faces three counts of First Degree Child Sex Assault – Sexual Contact with Person under Age of 13; and one count of Attempt First Degree Child Sexual Assault – Intercourse with Person under 12.
The charges stem from an investigation in March 2020.
During the hearing, defense attorney Harry Hertel requested enhancements to the audio quality or transcripts of an interview, between law enforcement and the victim.
“We originally received one recording,” said Hertel. “It was barely understandable.”
A second copy of the recording was shared with the defense, but Hertel said it was only slightly better. Hertel says it still takes repeated playbacks to make out what is being said.
“The situation is always one where the victim should be testifying in-person and, at the same time, if there is anything which is for impeachment purposes, knowing for certain what has been said is certainly valuable,” said Hertel.
He says he thinks either audio enhancements or transcripts, so everyone is on the same page about what is being said, is important for his ability to defend Ford.
Hertel says he is asking for the county to cover the costs of the audio work, since he is a county-appointed attorney.
Judge Steven Gibbs asked how much Hertel estimated the audio enhancements would cost. Hertel says he thinks it will be in the $400 range.
“If anything is going to be used by the prosecution, the defense should have equal access to it,” said Gibbs.
With that, Gibbs authorized the county to pay for the enhancement of the tape, but asked Hertel to notify the court if the quote for the work comes in at a significantly higher cost.
Hertel also notified the court that he may have another trial close to the same time as Ford’s.
“If that becomes an issue, I’ll try to address that with Mr. (Wade) Newell (state) as quickly as possible,” said Hertel.
Newell asked that Hertel notify the state by the middle of December, so he knows what to plan for.
Ford’s trial is currently set for Tuesday, Jan. 10, through Friday, Jan. 13, at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
