Judge OKs Gilbert’s request to serve as his own attorney
February 8, 2010 · 4:14 PM
Weldon Marc Gilbert’s request to serve as his own lawyer was granted Friday by Pierce County Superior Court Judge John McCarthy.
Gilbert, the Lake Tapps-area pilot, is fighting charges of child rape and other crimes in state court.
In 2009, Gilbert plead guilt to child-sex crimes in federal court and received a 25-year sentence. Prosecutors were surprised when he backed out of a bargain and requested to represent himself.
A June 21 trail date was tentatively set on state charges of multiple counts of child rape and sexual exploitation of a minor.
In January, Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Hammond filed a letter sent to Gilbert’s attorney in court. It states the state will seek a life sentence that could keep Gilbert in prison.
Hammond also wrote in his letter his office will fight Gilbert’s efforts to interview witnesses and victims in the case. A court order issued prohibits Gilbert from talking to the witnesses and victims.
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