Pilati trial in 'discovery' phase

By Staff
Melissa Cason, The Franklin County Times
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday that a trial date has still not been set in their case against former Franklin County District Attorney John Pilati, adding the process is still progressing.
Pilati was indicted in February on four counts of deprivation of civil rights in connection with alleged illicit sexual contact between himself and four young males during his time as Franklin County District Attorney.
Jill Ellis, a spokesperson for the office, said yesterday that Pilati has been arraigned and the case is now in the discovery phase – the time at which the defense reviews documents germane to the case.
Pilati plead not guilty to each of the four charges against him at his arraignment March 15.
"In discovery, information and documents are shared with the defense," Ellis said, adding that this case is progressing at a normal pace.
The next phase in the case, she said will be pre-trial conferences and the trial would follow.
"In federal court, trials usually are within 90 days of an indictment unless a motion for continuance is filed," Ellis said, which would mean the trial would likely be held some time in May.
An indictment only includes charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government's burden to prove Pilati's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.