Leas new trial is Oct. 27

Leas new trial is Oct. 27

Story Published: Oct 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 2:03 AM PST

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - A Lewiston man whose first trial ended in a mistrial will now be tried again later this month.

25-year-old Steven Leas was supposed to face a jury on September 8, but didn't show up to day one of his trial. District Judge Carl Kerrick issued an arrest warrant, and according to court documents, jailers said they smelled alcohol on Leas breath when he did show up in court the next day. Two breath tests showed Leas blood alcohol level at about point-1-7. Leas apologized to the court, saying he was out late and missed a ride to the courthouse.

Leas was accused of a racially motivated attack against Herman Gary outside the a Zip Trip in August of 2007. The prosecution alleged Leas shoved Gary because he's black, while the defense insisted it was a case of a drunken young man committing a battery. The jury was unable to reach a verdict in June.

Leas' new trial is, as of now, scheduled for October 27. He faces a charge of malicious harassment.

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