Rape trial is back on track

SANDPOINT — Another trial date has been set for a Sagle man accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 2009.

Dean Duane Stevens Jr. four-day jury trial is set for March 2011. He was to be tried in 1st District Court this month, but the proceedings were postponed because of a dispute with his court-appointed defense counsel and an 11th hour claim by Stevens that he possessed evidence that would exonerate him.

Stevens filed a pro se motion for new attorney claiming ineffective assistance of counsel by Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson. Robertson filed her own motion to withdraw from the case because Stevens was withholding the allegedly exculpatory evidence from her as the case neared trial.

District Judge Steve Verby, however, ruled that there was insufficient cause for Stevens to be assigned new counsel. Verby also ordered Stevens to turn over the exculpatory evidence, court records show.

Stevens, 40, said in court documents that he possessed a digital video disc  which he maintains will clear him of any wrongdoing in the case. Stevens told Verby on Dec. 9 that he didn’t turn over the DVD sooner because he gave his word to the girl that he would not disclose it.

Stevens is accused of giving methamphetamine to the girl and raping her in a cabin in Samuels on July 3, 2009. The girl reportedly went to the cabin with Stevens so he could take nude photographs of her in exchange for money.

Stevens pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remains held at the Bonner County Jail while the case is pending.