Attorneys argued in Christian Circuit Court Wednesday whether the past crimes of a woman accused of embezzlement should be included when her current case goes to trial. Former Director of the Aaron McNeil House, Paula Russell, appeared in court for a pretrial conference. Under the name Paula Nightingale, Russell previously pled guilty to embezzlement from a company in Clarksville.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Cotthoff argued that Russell's previous crimes in Clarksville establish a pattern.
Cotthoff says the evidence clearly shows that Russell has a certain method of operation.
Russell's attorney Edmund Smith argued that because they believe some of the alleged thefts fall within the mission of the Aaron McNeil House, there is no relationship to the crimes in Clarksville.
Circuit Judge Andrew Self said he could not make a decision on the motion immediately. He set aside the week of May 20th for the trial. Cotthoff told the Judge that they would need several days for the trial because, at this point, the Commonwealth has 25 to 30 witnesses to present.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Cotthoff argued that Russell's previous crimes in Clarksville establish a pattern.
Cotthoff says the evidence clearly shows that Russell has a certain method of operation.
Russell's attorney Edmund Smith argued that because they believe some of the alleged thefts fall within the mission of the Aaron McNeil House, there is no relationship to the crimes in Clarksville.
Circuit Judge Andrew Self said he could not make a decision on the motion immediately. He set aside the week of May 20th for the trial. Cotthoff told the Judge that they would need several days for the trial because, at this point, the Commonwealth has 25 to 30 witnesses to present.
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