Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 23, 1994 TAG: 9411230143
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Ren Heard, once the "master builder" for Explore Park, was indicted in September on charges that he had "carnal knowledge" of the girl sometime between Jan. 1 and July 23 of 1991. He is not accused of using force, but faces up to 10 years in prison because of the alleged victim's age.
Heard's attorneys filed a motion asking that the trial be closed to the public because "the evidence in this case might be termed 'sensational sex' and arouse the curiosity of the public and the news media."
Heard said at Tuesday's hearing that he plans to plead not guilty. He told Judge Clifford Weckstein that the trial should be closed to protect his reputation, along with the reputation of the alleged victim.
The girl, now 18, also told the judge that she would like the trial to be closed.
The commonwealth's attorney's office - along with the Roanoke Times & World-News, which filed a motion to intervene in the case - opposed the request to close the trial.
In a response to a question from Stan Barnhill, an attorney for the newspaper, the victim agreed that her reputation would not be tarnished if the media didn't disclose her identity. The Times & World-News and most other media outlets have a policy of not naming rape victims unless there is a request from the victim to do so.
Weckstein ruled that he didn't "perceive a compelling state interest" in restricting access to the trial.
"Our system of justice is kept honest," he said, "because the public has presumptive free access to criminal trials."
Heard's trial is scheduled for the first week of February.
Heard, who runs a contracting business, Renovation Specialists, worked as a builder for Explore until 1990. He founded the West End Association, a neighborhood group that has worked with police in organizing citizen anti-crime patrols.
by CNB