LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—Michael A. Lowery, a former Edgar County teacher, is set to face trial beginning Aug. 19, following a final pre-trial conference before Judge Mark Isaf on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Lowery, represented by attorney Jamie Rollins, appeared in the custody of the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department. State’s Attorney Philip Dobelstein was also present for the proceedings.
During the pre-trial conference, witness lists submitted by both parties were reviewed and accepted. It was decided that witnesses for both the prosecution and defense will remain outside the courtroom until it is their turn to testify.
Judge Isaf also confirmed that for the duration of the trial, Lowery will be allowed to wear regular clothing and will not be in restraints.
Several requests were made to determine what evidence and testimony would be allowed at trial. A motion from the state to permit additional testimony connected to a separate incident outside the current charges was approved.
The defense also submitted four motions seeking to limit or block certain testimony. Two were approved, restricting how much detail some witnesses can share about what they were told by the alleged victim. Another motion, concerning testimony from law enforcement, was denied, though the judge said any limitations could be addressed during trial. A final motion, which sought to exclude testimony about a previous non-formal no-contact agreement between Lowery and the alleged victim, was also denied.
The trial is scheduled to open at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Edgar County Courthouse with jury selection beginning at 9 a.m. It is expected to last two days.