A judge ruled yesterday that three more people who say they were abused by former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain will be allowed to testify against him at his trial, which could begin this April. The judge also ruled that prosecutors can introduce testimony about other alleged sexual conduct involving Strain and the four alleged victims included in the eight-count indictment.
Strain’s attorney had argued that some of that alleged conduct took place decades ago, when the 56 YO Strain was 12. The new allegations are not included in the original indictment, which charges Strain with four counts of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest and one count each of indecent behavior and sexual battery. Aggravated rape carries a life sentence upon conviction.
Strain appeared in court yesterday with his lawyer. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Strain also faces a federal corruption case that centers on an alleged kickback scheme at a work-release facility he privatized while in office.
