A Wyoming lawmaker wants to change a state law that keeps the identities of people charged with sexual assault secret until they're bound over to district court. Sponsor Rep. Sam Krone is a Cody Republican and works as a prosecutor in Park County. Krone's bill would allow the release of a defendant's name as soon as they're charged with sexual assault, the same as any other felony. Existing law blocks the release of names. It has prompted legal challenges from news media organizations. The Wyoming Press Association, several Wyoming newspapers and The Associated Press secured a district judge's ruling last year that circuit court hearings and records concerning sex crimes don't necessarily have to be closed to the public. That case is still pending.
No comments:
Post a Comment