Hunter
09/19/23
The location of the trial of two UI frat members accused of sexually assaulting a student is in dispute.
The Daily Iowan reports that the alleged victim, Makena Solberg, is challenging a judge’s August 30th decision to move the trial out of Johnson County to Tama County.
Solberg filed a request to reconsider the decision on September 1st. The defendants in the case include frat members Carson Steffan and Jacob MeLoan, the FIJI fraternity, Mu Duerton Chapter House Corporation and Mu Duerton Association of Phi Gamma Delta.
They have requested that the court deny the request, arguing that Solberg’s request does not challenge the argument that a Johnson County jury pool would be prejudiced against them.
Solberg’s lawyers say the defendants filed their objection to her motion two days later than the ten-day response window without justification or cause.
If Solberg’s request to bring the lawsuit back to Johnson County is not granted, trial will be held November 5th, 2024 in Tama County.