Kerry Hoffmann, the 27-year-old former band teacher from Oakfield-Alabama accused of sexually abusing a student, will take his case to trial, according to his attorney.
Hoffman appeared in Oakfield Town Court this evening to set a trial date.
"People will be surprised," said his attorney, Thomas D. Calandra. "We will be bringing up issues that will surprise people."
Hoffman turned down a plea offer this evening, according to Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell.
"We talked about a plea, but it didn't come to fruition," Finnell said. "I don't know how close it was, but it was being considered up until tonight and then it was rejected."
Hoffman has until 24 hours before the scheduled trial date, 9:30 a.m. March 23, to accept any plea offer.
All six charges against Hoffman, five counts of sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, are misdemeanors.
UPDATE: 13WHAM reporter Sean Carroll says that Finnell told him Hoffman faces a 7th charge -- this one, official misconduct.
Photo: Kerry Hoffman outside of court this evening. Photo courtesy 13WHAM.
