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Approaching a trial, an ex-Williamsport police officer wants to reduce the prosecution evidence on sexual allegations that accuse him of unlawful use of a state law enforcement records system.
Former Cpl. Eric B. Derr, 39, this week had attorney Robert A. Hoffa argue in Lycoming County court that he believes prosecutors will try to make Derr look guilty in the eyes of the jury, according to PennLive.com.
Derr is charged with 28 counts of unlawful use of a computer and charges of unsworn falsification to authorities, tampering with public records and obstructing the administration of law from other incidents.
Northumberland County Senior Judge Charles H. Saylor is reviewing the case.
Hoffa wanted the judge to not consider certain computer evidence regarding an alleged relationship with a certain woman, the media outlet stated.
State Deputy Attorney Rebecca A. Elo agreed not to introduce evidence in support of claims Derr in November 2015 was dancing inappropriately with his current wife and he acted wrongly at his wedding, the article stated.
Elo argued testimony of an intern should be permitted because he claimed to have seen Derr run the license plate of a woman to learn her name, according to PennLive.
The prosecutor also clarified that Derr used the JNET for more than sexual relationships but also obtained information for family members and others, the report stated.
Charges in 2020 accused Derr of using this system 93 times between 2015 and 2019 to get unauthorized information about 26 people.
Derr, who resigned from the department in September 2021, has not been brought to trial because of appeals.
Another allegation against Derr is that he became romantically involved with a woman he encountered during a drug arrest and then assisted her in avoiding police and evading prosecution, the news outlet stated.
Saylor said he anticipated issuing a decision within two weeks.