In Aug. 7-13 issue
By Greg Wells
Times Journal Managing Editor

JAMESTOWN - Though the judge said he’d come to town expecting to hold at least one or two hearings, only motions were considered in those cases being handled by Judge Cletus Miracle.

An extensive and detailed review of motions filed in cases against Leon Grider and James S. Faller as well as his wife Tanya.

A number of the defense motions were granted, most were related to their desire for more information from the prosecution.

Others, such as the motion to stop consideration of a venue change in Grider’s trial, were denied.

Miracle said he would hold a hearing on the possibility of a change of venue, but would likely not rule on that motion unless he felt it was necessary once they attempt to seat a jury in the case.

That was one of the two hearings the judge said he was ready to hear witnesses and evidence in, but both the prosecution and the defense said they could not have things together before the next morning.

The defense gained some of what they wanted in the matter of bond for Grider.

The judge said he was ready to hear evidence in the case, but without witnesses he heard from the lawyers.

Though he would not lower the $1 million property bond as much as they were requesting, the judge agreed to reduce it whatever amount was necessary to free the defendant’s 95-year-old mother from the bond.

An evidentiary hearing requested by the defense was granted, but won’t be held until after the prosecution experts review tapes in the Grider case.