The Stow teen charged with murder in connection with a bogus want ad placed on Craigslist has waived his right to a speedy trial.
Two detention officers led Brogan Rafferty, 17, into Summit County Juvenile Court Friday morning. He wore handcuffs and leg shackles.
Courtroom sheriff’s deputies had asked that he be handcuffed for safety; usually juveniles appear in court without handcuffs. He sat with his attorney, John Alexander, as officers stood behind him.
Authorities say they have linked three deaths and one attempted murder to a help-wanted online site they believe was used to lure men to rural Ohio to work on a nonexistent farm in Noble County, about 100 miles away from Akron. Legal procedures began there before they were transferred to Summit County.
Also charged in the alleged plot is self-styled preacher Richard Beasley, who has been described as a mentor to Rafferty.
Beasley faces a 28-count indictment in the alleged scheme and could receive the death penalty if convicted. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday.
Rafferty is charged with 12 juvenile counts — three of aggravated murder, one of attempted murder and four each of aggravated robbery and kidnapping — in the deaths of David Pauley, 51, of Virginia; Timothy Kern, 47, of Massillon; and Ralph Geiger, 56, of Atlanta; and in the attack of surviving victim, Scott Davis, 48. Davis, a former Canton man living in South Carolina, was shot Nov. 6 while touring the bogus property with two men authorities contend were Beasley and Rafferty.
Davis’ escape led authorities to the body of Pauley, who was buried on the same property.
Rafferty pleaded not guilty to the charges last week. Because of his age, he would not be eligible for the death penalty if convicted but could face life in prison. He is being held at the detention center on Dan Street in Akron instead of at the Summit County Jail, also because of his age.
In the courtroom Friday, Summit County Juvenile Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio again explained to Rafferty his rights.
“You have the right to have a speedy trial within 90 days ... You are entitled to have your parents in the courtroom before you make any decision,” she said.
Rafferty said he was comfortable making the decision, and the judge granted the waiver.
Alexander said he needed time to prepare his case. He said Rafferty is “still in shock from the magnitude of the charges.”
Teodosio scheduled a status hearing for 11 a.m. Feb. 16.
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
