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Defendant’s request to appoint an expert in Carolinian culture OK’d
The Superior Court granted Wednesday last week the request of a rape suspect to have an expert in Carolinian culture at his trial.
Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho said the fee for the appointment of such an expert should not exceed $1,500. Any fees exceeding that needs prior court approval.
Joseph Seman Epina, 43, is facing charges for raping a 12-year-old girl.
The Office of the Attorney General charged him with sexual assault of a minor in the first degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. The alleged victim is a Carolinian.
Assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit, counsel for Epina, said the alleged victim has made certain statements that appear to be in conflict with Carolinian culture.
However, Nesbit said, in order to fully explore this theory, she needs to speak with an expert in the Carolinian culture.
“The assistance of an expert witness is necessary in order to fully explore the credibility and accuracy of statements made by the alleged victim,” said Nesbit in Epina’s ex parte motion for an expert in Carolinian culture.
Nesbit said an expert is necessary to fully understand the culture and effectively challenge the accuracy and reliability of the alleged victim’s statements.
