Evidence to stand in Bloomingdale rape trial

TAMPA - Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe today ruled that evidence to be used against an accused rapist was gathered legally, and will be allowed at trial.

Kendrick Morris, 18, is charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count each of kidnapping and aggravated battery in the April 24, 2008, attack on a teenager who was dropping off books at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library.

Morris is also accused of rape in a previous incident at a day care center, and will stand trial for that separately.

His attorneys had questioned the way law enforcement collected evidence, including DNA, a shoe and a backpack. The defense said statements made by the accused and his mother should not have been used to obtain a warrant.

Judge Tharpe disagreed, and will allow the physical evidence. However, an interview between deputies and Morris' mom on the night he was arrested will be thrown out.

The trial for the daycare incident is now scheduled for August 30th. Morris will stand trial for the Bloomingdale rape on September 27th.

Morris' attorneys said they will file motions requesting a change of venue for both cases involving Morris, citing them as high-profile.

Assistant Public Defender Maria Pavlidis told Judge Tharpe that numerous community fundraisers for the Bloomingdale Library rape victim have led to some publicity.

The judge will hear these motions on July 13.