Judge declares mistrial in Ray case

Wednesday, February 2nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FREDERICK, Okla. -- A judge has set a new trial date of May 8 for a former Altus Middle School teacher accused of sex crimes involving three of his former students. Associate District Judge David Barnett declared the mistrial and issued a gag order Monday in the case against Gene Paul Ray.
Barnett also issued a change in a ruling from last week. He said one of the three boys, (age 16) would have to testify in open court in a change from a decision that all three could testify in closed session. State law allows witnesses younger than 16 to testify in closed session. Ray, 45, is charged with four counts of lewd molestation, one count of forcible oral sodomy, two counts of first-degree rape and one count of attempted first-degree rape. His trial was moved from Altus to Frederick on a change of venue. The judge ruled that Ray may again live in Altus but must be accompanied by a family member when going out in public.