Miami County prosecutor, defense seek to delay new trial for convicted sex offender

Troy — Miami County prosecutors and defense lawyers both have asked a judge to continue the date set for a new trial for a convicted six offender whose first trial ended Thursday, Oct. 26, in a mistrial, saying key witnesses would not be available and case publicity would make it difficult to find impartial jurors.

Charles Hiser, 37, of Troy faces eight felony indictments of rape involving a minor. Judge William Wolff Jr. declared a mistrial in the case's third day based on some jurors seeing trial information in the media.

A new trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday, Nov. 1 by visiting Judge William Wolff Jr.

Janna Parker, an assistant county prosecutor, filed a motion Monday to continue the trial. She said that two doctors were not available to testify due to other commitments.

She also said prosecutors were concerned that "the extremely recent and significant media attention surrounding this case so close to trial date will negatively impact the state and defendant's ability to select a fair and impartial jury."

Defense lawyer Steve Layman filed a motion Tuesday, making a similar argument about trial publicity. He said Hiser would not object to a "reasonable" continuance.

Hiser pleaded not guilty to two counts alleging sexual contact with a person under age 10 and six counts alleging sexual contact and sexual conduct with a person under age 13 between February 2012 and late 2016 in Piqua and Troy.