LIHUE — The state and the defense rested after hearing testimony from four additional witnesses during day two of the Steven Westerman trial. Westerman is charged with sexually assaulting his 6-year-old stepdaughter 20 years ago before he left for the
LIHUE — The state and the defense rested after hearing testimony from four additional witnesses during day two of the Steven Westerman trial.
Westerman is charged with sexually assaulting his 6-year-old stepdaughter 20 years ago before he left for the military in 1997. The charges in the indictment allege Westerman knowingly engaged in sexual penetration with his stepdaughter between June 1995 and May 1997.
Westerman, 40, took the stand Wednesday and said he never engaged in sexual acts with his stepdaughter.
He answered questions from both the state and the defense for about 45 minutes.
“I would never do those things to a child,” he said.
Psychologist Diane Gerard testified for the state Wednesday and said sometimes it’s hard for children to come forward with the abuse they may have experienced.
Most individuals who have experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime do not tell before adulthood “and of course we don’t know those who have never told,” Gerard said.
She said children are often afraid of the reaction they will get after telling about their abuse.
The victim in this case did not reveal the alleged abuse until she was 16 years old.
Earlier in the morning, Defense attorney Craig De Costa moved for a mistrial after testimony Tuesday from Dr. Alex Bivens, a counselor who saw the victim in group therapy during her years in high school.
During his testimony, he referred to her as a “textbook case” patient who experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
First deputy prosecutor Jennifer Winn called De Costa’s argument “far-fetched” and said De Costa had an opportunity for cross-examination and that he could have objected during Bivens’ testimony.
The court denied the motion.
Closing arguments begin today.
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Michelle Iracheta, cops and courts reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or miracheta@thegardenisland.com. Follow Michelle on Twitter @cephira
