Former Southampton man’s rape trial on hold after attorney’s suspension
Published: 07-11-2024 8:55 PM
Modified: 07-12-2024 8:01 AM |
NORTHAMPTON — A former Southampton mortgage loan officer’s rape case is on hold while the state’s high court determines whether his attorney can continue to represent him.
Mathieu J. Tebo was preparing to go to trial in Hampshire Superior Court on 30 charges, including rape, kidnapping and assault with a dangerous weapon, when his attorney, Judith Knight of Great Barrington, had her license to practice law suspended for two years by the Supreme Judicial Court.
The SJC’s June 3 action followed the recommendation of the Board of Bar Overseers, which found that Knight had misused her clients’ fees. Knight has appealed the suspension and has asked the high court for permission to keep representing Tebo.
In Superior Court Wednesday, Tebo asked Judge Karen Goodwin to allow more time for the SJC to rule on Knight’s request.
Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Sandra Staub said the prosecution had just received a copy of Knight’s letter, which was dated June 28. She said the commonwealth could not take a position on her request, but noted that the court has no information on how long it would take the high court to rule, and she asked for any waiting period to be brief.
Goodwin suggested that Knight should update the court next month on the status of her request, and if no decision has been reached, then Tebo would need to obtain new counsel. She said she had never known the SJC to allow a suspended lawyer to continue representing a client.
Tebo said he agreed that the waiting period should be brief. He said he most likely would not be able to afford a private attorney, having been unable to work since his arrest almost two years ago.
Goodwin suggested he submit an application to the probation department now to see if he qualifies for public counsel, and scheduled the next hearing in the case for Aug. 7.
Article continues after...
Yesterday's Most Read Articles