Sex offender waives right to prelim hearing
Price Ekon Shoiter, a 68-year-old registered sex offender, waived his right Tuesday to have a preliminary hearing in connection with the charges that he sexually abused a 7-year-old girl in Dandan.
Shoiter, through counsel, informed Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho that he is waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. Camacho set the arraignment for Monday.
At a preliminary hearing, a judge determines if there is substantial evidence to charge a suspect.
Shoiter’s case will go to Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo.
Shoiter was arrested on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, assault and battery, disturbing the peace, and offenses involving a minor victim.
According to police, an officer responded to a residence in Dandan last Nov. 15 after the Department of Public Safety received a call about a sexual abuse incident. Investigation allegedly showed that Shoiter touched a girl’s privates as she was sleeping.
Shoiter was convicted in March 2004 for sexually abusing a minor. He served a prison term and registered as a convicted sex offender.