LANCASTER – A hearing on the Berlin Sun’s motion to unseal the affidavit and arrest warrant in a domestic violence case against state Sen. Jeff Woodburn has been scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. in the 1st Circuit District Court.
Woodburn, 53, D-Whitefield, has pleaded not guilty to four misdemeanor counts of simple assault, two counts of domestic violence, two counts of criminal mischief, and one count of criminal trespass. Woodburn is accused of hitting the alleged victim, biting her arms, breaking into her home and breaking the door on her dryer.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Geoffrey W.R. Ward says in his objection that the records involving the misdemeanor charges against Woodburn should remain sealed because the investigation is continuing based on “further information and leads developed.”
Barbara Tetreault, managing editor of the Berlin Sun, filed a response to Ward’s objection stating the state must prove there is some “overriding consideration or special consideration, that is, a sufficiently compelling interest, that would justify preventing public access.”
The court at 55 School St. in Lancaster has allotted one hour for the arguments, according to the notice of hearing.
AG: Keep Sen. Woodburn’s Court Files Sealed, Investigation Is Ongoing