Ramona
A Ramona man waived his right Tuesday to a jury trial on the eve of his trial on 96 counts of child molestation,
The surprise development came during motions for Ezra Adams, 43, who is charged with committing lewd and lascivious acts with seven girls who are now 9 to 18 years old.
Adams’ case was assigned last week to San Diego Superior Court Judge Louis Boyle, and attorneys argued motions during the past few days.
The attorneys are scheduled today to present their opening statements to Boyle, and the first victim to testify, a 12-year-old girl, will take the stand.
Roy Gunner, Adams’ attorney, could not be reached for comment as to why Adams waived a jury trial.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Aaron Katz said the waiver of the jury surprised him but would make testimony by the young girls “much easier for them.”
Most of the alleged molestations took place in Ramona.
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