By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – After repeated delays, the case of the Pe Ell softball coach accused of sex crimes involving a teenage team member is in court for a trial.
[1]Todd D. Phelps
Todd D. Phelps, 52, is charged with third-degree rape as well as second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor in connection with encounters last spring and summer with a 16-year-old girl.
They are both residents of the small West Lewis County town.
The prosecution told a story to jurors yesterday of a man who gradually seduced a girl already troubled with low self esteem and depression.
Phelps’ defense attorney spoke of a coach who became close to her because he was worried because she was cutting on herself and might even commit suicide.
“At no time did Todd commit or even think his relationship was inappropriate,” Defense attorney Don Blair told the jury.
It took most of yesterday in Lewis County Superior Court to whittle down almost 70 potential jurors to a panel of 12 with two alternates.
Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Debra Eurich spoke for 40 minutes, telling jurors what they would hear in the following three days.
The incident of sexual misconduct occurred on or about April 2 of last year, while Phelps was employed by the high school as coach, Eurich said.
The alleged rape happened on July 27, she said, after Phelps had been forced to quit his job.
Eurich said Phelps talked her into breaking up with her boyfriend and then drove a wedge between her and her family, in attempts to isolate her.
“When you hear all the evidence, watch the witnesses, there’s not going to be any other verdict than guilty,” Eurich said.
Blair took only about 10 minutes in the Chehalis courtroom for opening statements.
He pointed out jurors would not see the emails or texts or any “hard” evidence.
His client was at work at Weyerhaeuser at the time the July incident supposedly occurred, Blair said. Until the girl learned that and changed her story, he said.
“What I’m trying to say is this; I don’t know why she is saying these things about Todd,” he said. “It could be because Todd revealed a bunch of her secrets to her parents, trying to get help for her.”
The trial resumes at 9:30 a.m. today.
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For background, read “Former Pe Ell coach faces charge of third-degree rape of teenage student” from Tuesday November 29, 2011, here [2]