The jury trial for a Mt. Carmel man charged with multiple felony counts involving alleged threatening communications has been postponed.
Thirty-nine-year-old Nicholas Irelan appeared in Wabash County Circuit Court Thursday for a final pretrial conference before Judge Denton Aud. During the hearing, Irelan told the court he had only recently received several motions filed by the State and requested additional time to review them.
State's Attorney Kelli Storckman did not object to allowing Irelan more time but asked that the July 6th jury trial be continued because of the need to coordinate witnesses.
Judge Aud granted the request by agreement, vacating the July 6th trial date. Irelan also agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial and his right to be tried within 90 days of his detention.
A motion hearing and pretrial conference has been scheduled for June 25th. A final pretrial conference is set for July 16th, with the jury trial now scheduled to begin August 3rd at 9 a.m.
During the hearing, Irelan also informed the court that one of two flash drives containing discovery materials would not open on the jail's computer. Storckman said she would look into the issue.
Judge Aud again denied Irelan's request for release, ruling that continued detention remains necessary because he poses a real and present threat to the safety of individuals or the community, or presents a risk of willful flight from prosecution.
Irelan has pleaded not guilty and continues to represent himself. He faces multiple felony charges, including stalking, cyberstalking, harassment through electronic communications, and harassment by telephone. The charges stem from allegations made by his ex-wife, who told investigators she received hundreds of threatening phone calls and text messages.
