Opinion ID: 1423616
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Separate Trial

Text: Franklin moved the trial court to sever counts because Woodard was charged with many more counts than she. The court acknowledged she was not charged in all counts, but determined that Franklin would not be unfairly prejudiced by the joinder because all the charges arose out of a similar series of acts or scheme, giving a specific statement of reasons as follows: RCr 6.20 allows joinder where Defendants are alleged to have participated in the same act or transaction or in the same series of acts or transactions constituting an offense or offenses. While it is true that Defendant Woodard is charged with more crimes in both indictments, both Defendants are charged with similar crimes arising out of a series of acts. Both Defendants allegedly participated in sexual offenses against the same victims; the offenses occurred either at Defendants' karate studio or their home and most of the offenses occurred in the presence of both Defendants; all of the victims were students of the Defendants. The pattern of conduct toward each victim is similar, involved both Defendants to some extent, and are intertwined. The trial court's reasons are cogent and in conformity with the law. Ware v. Commonwealth, 537 S.W.2d 174 (Ky.1976). The court did not abuse its discretion.