LAKEPORT — Judge Richard C. Martin will finish hearing testimony in former Lakeport police officer Richard Peterson”s preliminary hearing on Tuesday. This will be the third day of testimony heard by Judge Mann which included two LPD officers and District Attorney Investigator John Flynn. Judge Mann must make a decision at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing.
Usually held after arraignment, a preliminary hearing is best described as a “trial before the trial” at which the judge decides, not whether the defendant is “guilty” or “not guilty,” but whether there is enough evidence to force the defendant to stand trial. In making this determination, the judge uses the “probable cause” legal standard, deciding whether the government has produced enough evidence to convince a reasonable jury that the defendant committed the crime(s) charged.
Erickson, an 11-year-veteran, is charged with felony misappropriation of government funds, stalking and making terrorist threats. He is also charged with one misdemeanor count of violating a restraining order. Erickson has pleaded innocent to all counts.
Erickson will be back in court at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com
