HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who was convicted in two jury trials for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and indecent liberties with a child will be back in a Reno County courtroom on Friday to hear a motion he has filed.
Fifty-five-year-old John Prine has filed a motion claiming his trial did not fall under the statute of limitations. Prine was sentenced to 36 years in prison after being found guilty of the inappropriate contact with a then 6-year-old girl.
Prine was convicted in 2004 but was given a new trial after the state ruled that the prosecution should not have used testimony of prior bad acts during the trial. The case was a part of legislation that was passed shortly after that gave prior bad acts testimony more leeway. Prine was tried a second time and was again convicted. Prine was given 32 years on the criminal charges and another four years for eight counts of contempt after a long profanity laced outburst during his sentencing.
District Attorney Tom Stanton says he’s not sure what Prine’s defense will have to present. Stanton did say that only formal charges must be filed within the statute of limitations and a trial does not fall within the guidelines.
The matter is scheduled to be heard in front of Judge Trish Rose on Friday.
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