A Hubbard man will begin his trial today on charges of sexual assault. The alleged victim has asked Trumbull County Judge to allow her to use a “facility” dog to help her tell her story to jurors.
Kenneth Nitso of Highland Drive faces 14 charges including five counts of rape, which could result in a life sentence. The jury selection for this case is set to begin today in the courtroom Common Pleas judge Andrew D. Logan.
Last week, Logan was contacted by Trumbull County Assistant prosecutor Gabriel Wildman to request a “facility-dog” for the victim’s testimonies.
It is not hard to imagine the emotional trauma and stress caused to the child in this case. Wildman wrote that she has a difficult time talking about the abuse, and shuts down if she feels overwhelmed or uncomfortable. “There is no doubt that her difficulty will be exasperated if she has to testify in a crowded room, with jurors, the media, support staff and others.” wrote Wildman.
Wildman said that this would not be a precedent for Ohio courts. He pointed out that the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office uses a facility dog called Avery since about 10 years. He said that other state and local agencies had obtained dogs for the same purpose. Wildman said that the Hubbard Police Department, which has a Labradoodle called Oakley, is available to help with the Nitso investigation.
Wildman said that “he has received extensive training in behavioral issues and dozens of training hours as a therapy canine, who regularly helps police and is a fixture in Hubbard Schools.”
Wildman said that if the court grants the motion, Oakley’s handler Hubbard Police Chief Bob Thompson would be available to stand trial.
Wildman stated that the accusation in this case revolves around the defendant grooming her victim by touching sexually at the age of 6. Wildman said that as the victim grew older the sexual abuse became more intrusive. Nitzo was also accused of offering money and other valuables in exchange for sexual acts. He said that the abuse allegedly continued until approximately age 12, when it was reported.
Wildman’s request was not responded to by the judge because it was filed on Friday. Wildman said that if Logan allows the dog to appear in court, this will be a Trumbull County first. Gina DeGenova, Mahoning County’s Prosecutor, announced that she would be welcoming Hope, a 10-month old golden retriever, to her staff.
Hope will be trained as a comforting dog to help victims and witnesses to crimes.
