THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 9, 1994 TAG: 9406090500
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: D1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ESTES THOMPSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: 940609 LENGTH: EDENTON
Willard Scott Privott, 45, is charged with 68 counts of sexual abuse involving 16 children at the day care. He was a friend of former day care owner Robert F. Kelly Jr.
{REST} Privott, who has maintained since he was charged that he never molested any children, said only ``no comment'' as he left the courthouse. Another hearing in his case was scheduled for June 16.
The official reason for the hearing was to allow Privott to change court-appointed lawyers.
Privott served three years and eight months in jail awaiting trial because he could not raise the fee to meet a $1 million bond. He was released last year after friends raised the money.
Prosecutors have said in the past they would consider plea bargains, but wouldn't confirm whether one had been offered Privott.
If Privott pleaded guilty in return for a reduced sentence, it would close a fourth case in the long-running criminal prosecution.
Kelly was convicted on 99 counts of first degree sex offense, crimes against nature and taking indecent liberties with children. He is serving a sentence of 12 life terms, but is appealing the conviction.
Kelly's wife, day care co-owner Elizabeth T. Kelly, pleaded no contest to charges earlier this year and also is serving a prison sentence.
Day care cook Kathryn Dawn Wilson was convicted in 1993 and sentenced to life in prison for sexual abuse. Wilson is free on bail while appealing her case.
Charges still are pending against three other defendants. Former day care worker Shelley Stone is charged with 14 counts and former worker Robin Byrum is charged with 23 counts. Darlene Harris, an acquaintance of people at the center, is charged with two counts.
No trial dates have been set.
Stone said she would not consider a plea bargain.
``She will not concede,'' said her attorney, Frank Ballance. ``Here's a young lady who has a family and a husband who has stuck by her who's never had a hint of anything like this in her background.''
The case has cost the state more than $1 million and is the most expensive prosecution in state history.
Every lawyer is court-appointed and expert witnesses at previous trials were paid by the state.
{KEYWORDS} DAY CARE CENTERS CHILD ABUSE CHILD MOLESTER SEX CRIME HEARING PRIVOTT by CNB