Kuest trial delayed until 2020

The trial of Michael Anthony Kuest, the man charged with rape in the first degree in connection to an alleged incedent in June, has been delayed until January after Kuest saw another court-appointed attorney withdraw from his defense.

The trial had been set for Oct. 22, but defense attorney Douglas Phelps requested release from the case earlier in the month.

Kuest’s new attorney, Timothy D. Trageser of Spokane, requested the trial be moved back to give him time to learn the case and prepare. The trial had been scheduled to start less than two weeks after he was assigned to the case.

Phelps becomes Kuest’s fourth lawyer to withdraw. Previously, Kuest’s July trial date had been pushed back after public defenders Kyle Smith’s and Barrett Scudder’s motions to be dismissed from the case were granted by Judge Steven B. Dixon.

Smith and Scudder had themselves replaced previously excused attorney Carson Van Valkenburg.

A new slate of rescheduled hearings have have been announced. An Omnibus hearing was held on Nov. 4. A scheduling conference will follow on Nov. 17. The pre-trial management hearing is set for Jan. 13 before the trial on Jan. 28.

Kuest is accused of raping a Spokane woman whom he knew.