Trial Set in Akon's Fan-Tossing Case
Looks like Akon may get Konvicted after all.
The rapper has been ordered to stand trial on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment stemming from his actions at a June 2007 concert in New York state in which he allegedly hurled a teenage fan offstage, resulting in a concussion to a separate concertgoer.
Fishkill Town Justice Harold Epstein ordered Akon, who was present in court for today's 9 a.m. hearing, to return to Fishkill Justice Court Dec. 1 for the start of the jury trial.
He faces a maximum of one year and 15 days behind bars if convicted on both charges.
However, should the rapper wish to avoid the P.R. nightmare of a trial, Dutchess County Assistant District Attorney Anthony Parisi requested that Akon's attorney, Andrea Zellan, attempt to reach a deal within the next two weeks, before notices are mailed out to potential jurors.
The rapper's lawyers seemed to second the idea of settling the case sans trial, releasing a statement shortly after the hearing indicating they would like a swift resolution to the proceedings.
"We are pleased that Judge Epstein adjourned the case to a date certain for either a trial or a negotiated resolution," the statement read. "Akon looks forward to putting this incident behind him, and in the meantime, he will continue to meet every requirement set forth by the court."
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