The trial date for an Alabama man indicted on 28 counts of sexual abuse has been moved back, giving his new attorney time to become familiar with the case.
Earl Francis Sprague , 42, of Church Street, Alabama, was also later indicted on counts of criminal solicitation, 2nd, for allegedly trying to hire somebody to murder a witness.
Last week, William Harper, of the Public Defender's Office, withdrew from the case, citing a conflict of interest. Harper is representing one of the criminal solicitation witnesses on an unrelated criminal matter.
Since the witness wouldn't agree to a new attorney, Sprague consented to the change of attorney.
He is now represented by Fred Rarick, who was assigned to the case today.
Attorney and client will appear in court Feb. 20 to update Noonan on Rarick's progress in becoming familiar with the case, at which time a trial date will be set.
In August, Sprague was indicted on 28 counts sexual abuse in the first degree against a child under age 11. He allegedly abused a child on 28 separate occasions from 1999 through 2009.
Sprague is currently being held in the Genesee County Jail.
