Jury selection starts in alley attack case

JOHNSTOWN - Eleven jurors were selected Monday in Fulton County Court for the trial of four men accused of sexually assaulting a woman in an alley outside a Gloversville tavern.

Fulton County District Attorney Louise K. Sira said three more - one regular juror and two alternates - were slated to be selected today to round out the jury.

She said Judge Richard C. Giardino indicated opening statements will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the County Courthouse.

The four men accused of taking part in the May 16 attack are Tyson J. Stratton, 30, of 17 Mill St., Gloversville; LaTerence H. Wilson, 24, of 13 Pearl St., Gloversville; Ezequial D. "Hoodie" Rouse, 27, of Bradt Street, Schenectady; and Michael L. "Skitso" Deveaux Jr., 20, of 139 Steinmetz Homes, Schenectady.

A county grand jury has indicted each defendant on two counts of felony first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of misdemeanor second-degree unlawful imprisonment.

Gloversville police say the four defendants attacked the Gloversville woman and physically forced her to engage in a sexual act in the alley outside Quig's Tavern on North Main Street. Police said the four men took turns sexually assaulting her. The victim had gone outside to have a cigarette when she was followed and attacked by the four men, police said.

The indictment describes the assault as a hate crime against the victim, whom the court has identified as a lesbian. The defendants also are accused of "intentionally restraining" her.

Sira said the defendants would face between five to 25 years in state prison if convicted.