PORT TOWNSEND — The state Supreme Court decision reversing a Jefferson County child rape conviction may force smaller counties to install expensive closed-circuit television equipment in courtrooms.
In a unanimous decision issued late last week, the court’s nine justices vacated the 1999 conviction of Wallace Michael Smith, who was accused of raping his girlfriends’ 5-year-old daughter.
The conviction had been previously upheld by the state Court of Appeals.
Jefferson County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jill Landes said Tuesday that Smith will be released from prison once the high court’s decision is certified.
Landes and fellow Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michael E. Haas, who argued the case before the Supreme Court, are not sure if they will file new charges against Smith.
Both attorneys said they are “disappointed” with the decision.
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The rest of the story appears in the Wednesday Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on SUBSCRIBE to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.