Nebraska woman fights order to testify

November 27, 2011

Nebraska: On December 7th, the Nebraska Supreme Court will hear the argument of a woman who refuses to testify in a sexual assault case. The state believes the testimony of this woman is crucial to the case. Judge Paul Merritt Jr. wrote, "It is difficult to imagine a more material witness under the circumstances." The case State v. Glen Riensche involves the accused Glen Riensche, who in 2010 was charged with suspicion of first-degree sexual assault and sexual assault of a child which took place in the early 1990s. Assistant Nebraska Attorney General James Smith said the district court was right seeking the information the woman had because without her testimony, the state wouldn't have a case against Riensche.

The 25 year old woman the state is trying to force to testify was sexually assaulted as a child and according to her attorney Randall Wertz testifying "would render her infamous and expose her, and her children, to public ignominy." Wertz claims the state has gone too far in this case, saying "Forcing victims in sexual assault cases to testify is contrary to (state law) and bad public policy."

The woman currently faces 90 days in jail for contempt of court if the supreme court does not rule in her favor.