FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brenda Cherry
Phone: 903-739-9112 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 903-739-9112 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Lower Body Amputee Accused of Sexual Assault: Group Claims Racism is Factor
(Paris, TX) – April 14, 2011 - Local residents and others are seeking financial assistance for the legal defense of a Paris man accused of sexual assault in a case civil rights activists state is one of several that illustrates racism within the town’s criminal justice system. Bobby Yates, a 51 year-old African American Paris resident, who lost his lower limbs in a hunting accident over two decades ago and who is also paralyzed, is set to stand trial this month for the alleged sexual assault of a 16 year-old white female, who came to his home with two adult white males at 2 a.m. on March 18, 2008. Yates called 911 for help and can be heard on a 911 tape on the morning of the alleged incident, stating the group beat him and requesting police help with forcing them to leave his home. Local activists allege a police report filed in the incident states instead that the female was the one to make the call to 911. They also suggest that the arrest report purposely includes a photo of Yates which may lead one to believe that he is standing up and leaves blank the question of height and scars. They state that on another report, a height of 5”9” is listed. Activists also claim that accompanying information did not disclose his amputation information or his penectomy resulting from complications after the amputation.
A gag order has reportedly been issued in the case, and related records sealed. This is a concern for those attempting to help Yates with raising funds for his defense due to the inability to obtain and verify information about the case.
Yates is scheduled for jury selection April 20, 2011. His court appointed attorney filed a motion to withdraw as attorney of record, after Yates refused to accept a plea.
Yates recently found an attorney willing to represent him; however, activists say funds are needed to help with his defense. A call has also been issued for people to support Yates right to an open and fair trial by peacefully attending the trial at the Lamar County Courthouse on April 20, 2011 where jury selection is scheduled.
To donate to Bobby Yates defense, or for more information, individuals may visit http://justiceforbobbyyates.blogspot.com or contact Brenda Cherry at the number listed above.
Updates about the case may be found at: http://justiceforbobbyyates.blogspot.com
Lamar County Court House Address
1119 North Main Street
Paris, Texas
9:00 AM April 20, 2011
_________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brenda Cherry
Phone: 903-739-9112 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 903-739-9112 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Contact: Nancy Lockhart, M.J.
Phone: 843.217.4649 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 843.217.4649 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
TEXAS INJUSTICE: BOBBY YATES – WRONGFUL CONVICTION IN THE MAKINGS
(Lamar County Texas, City of Paris), TX – 3/20/2010 -- Residing in the deeply troubled and racist town of Paris, Texas lives a Black gentleman who has suffered a lower body amputation including a penectomy. Mr. Bobby Yates, age 51, lost his lower limbs and lower body as a result of a hunting accident 20 years ago.
On Wed. March 23, 2011, Bobby Yates is facing jury selection for the sexual assault of a 16 year old white girl. On March 18, 2008 Yates was attacked in his home and called 911. The 911 tape clearly plays his cries for assistance but, the police report says otherwise. Bobby Yates is yet another wrongful conviction in the makings.
A photo of Yates was taken for the grand jury indictment and he appears to be standing in that photograph. His height is not included with the grand jury information. Mr. Yates is not able to stand as he has no legs.
Bobby Yates is scheduled for jury selection on Wed. March 23, 2011. His court appointed attorney has filed a motion to withdraw as attorney of record. That motion has not been heard to date. Bobby would be pleased with the attorney's removal as he has not prepared for his case properly, refused to acquire expert witness testimony and has tried to coerce Yates into a plea deal. Masses are needed in the courthouse on Wednesday March 23, 2011 where jury selection is scheduled in the case of The State Of Texas v. Boby Yates.
Updates may be found at: http://justiceforbobbyyates.blogspot.com
Court House Address
1119 North Main Street
Paris, Texas
9:00am Wed. March 23, 2011
