An Allegheny County man scheduled to go to trial next week in Washington County Court on charges of sexually assaulting three young women in East Bethlehem Township has more than his own serious legal problem to worry about.
Melvin R. Clark, 45, of West View, also has to be concerned about whether his attorney will be there.
Clark is to go on trial next week before Judge John DiSalle on multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault.
But his attorney, William F. Conway, 60, of Bloomfield, is also scheduled to go to trial Wednesday on drug charges in Allegheny County.
Conway asked to have Clark's trial postponed because of the unusual circumstances. However, DiSalle rejected that request and ordered that jury selection begin Monday with testimony beginning immediately thereafter.
Meanwhile, Conway is set to be at his own trial Wednesday before Allegheny County Judge Donald E. Machen on charges of possession of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver, delivery of marijuana, criminal conspiracy and contraband.
Conway was arrested March 23, 2007, after he allegedly passed a package of marijuana and rolling papers to an inmate he was visiting in the Allegheny County Jail.
When contacted Friday, Conway said he planned to be in Washington County Monday to defend Clark during his trial. He said he was attempting to get his trial continued, but Machen had not yet approved the request.
"It's in the works," he said.
Machen's tipstaff said Friday that the judge will be out of town Wednesday, so Conway either can ask for a postponement or the trial can be held before another judge.