Over 20 individuals on prosecution witness list for Abraczinskas trial

The Superior Court has officially scheduled the jury trial for former law clerk William Abraczinskas to begin on Sept. 9, 2024. The trial will be presided over by judge pro tem Elyze Iriarte.

In an order on May 30, 2024, Iriarte underscored the importance of cooperation between the parties in preparing for the proceedings.

The prosecution, led by assistant attorney general Frances T. Demapan under the guidance of Attorney General Edward Manibusan, has listed an array of key figures expected to provide testimony during the trial. The extensive witness list was e-filed on Aug. 12, 2024, naming over 20 individuals, including law enforcement officers, civilian witnesses, and even Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo is named as a potential witness.

The trial is expected to reveal the full scope of the allegations and the defense’s counterarguments.

As the trial date approaches, the court has set several deadlines to ensure a smooth process. By Aug. 16, 2024, both the prosecution and defense are required to submit jury instructions, proposed verdict forms, and a list of pre-marked exhibits. Moreover, the pre-trial conference is scheduled for Aug. 30, 2024, where both parties will address any contentious legal issues and finalize preparations for the trial.

Abraczinskas is facing serious charges after a fellow court employee accused him of rape and has been formally charged with sexual assault in the first degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. He has denied all allegations and entered a plea of not guilty.

The complaint, filed on May 26, 2023, details an account by the alleged victim, who walked into the police station to report that Abraczinskas had sexually assaulted her on April 8, 2023 at Beach Garden Apartments.

The court employee also informed investigators that she discovered Abraczinskas had lodged a sexual harassment complaint against her with the Judiciary’s human resources office.

The report implied that it was after confiding in her supervisor and discussing the alleged assault with human resources that she found the strength to approach the Department of Public Safety and share her account of the events.