Cherokee County DA Indictment Impacting Other Court Cases

Richard Gray's indictment could have a ripple effect on the legal systems in four eastern Oklahoma counties. <br/><br/>Some families who are in the middle of court cases are afraid the scandal could

Wednesday, October 25th 2006, 6:32 am

By: News On 6

Richard Gray's indictment could have a ripple effect on the legal systems in four eastern Oklahoma counties.

Some families who are in the middle of court cases are afraid the scandal could slow down the wheels of justice. Darold Wright says his family has already waited almost a year to get their day in court. The trial against the man accused of molesting Wright's daughter was supposed to start this week, but it's been postponed.

Wright feels like the justice system is taking its time, while his daughter continues to suffer. "I mean they're having nightmares we can get em counseling but itâ€™s an everyday event. And itâ€™s tough on em. And there's no promises when itâ€™s going to be the next step."

Wright also says one of the defense attorneys in his daughter's case is also connected to the indictment. Janet Bickel is a former assistant district attorney who pled guilty to tampering with a crime scene and who's also listed as a witness in Gray's embezzlement case.

The case involving the Wright family hasn't been rescheduled yet, but it probably won't get started until next year. The judge in the case has told The News on 6 the delay was not entirely related to the Gray indictment and there are other scheduling issues.