Church Trial Ready for September, but Motions Might Delay

Attorneys for both sides said they're ready to go for a trial for local resident Albert Church.

The 23-year-old Church is charged with delivery of a controlled substance. The charge is under an accountability theory advanced by prosecutors who allege that Church notified a local woman of someone who could supply her with heroin. The woman later died, and authorities say it was due to heroin use.

Both Special Assistant Prosecutor Ralph Fowler and defense attorney Bill Totten said they are ready for trial, but both indicated pre-trial motions are going to be filed. The outcome of any rulings on those motions could delay the start of the trial.

Church is now set to go on trial on September 2. He remains in custody in Effingham County Jail under $75,000 bond.