Olympian Witt Attends O.C. Man’s Trial in Obscene Harassment Case

Former Olympic champion skater Katarina Witt on Tuesday attended the trial of the man accused of sending her obscene and threatening letters but did not get a chance to testify.

Because jury selection took longer than expected, Witt will have to return to the courthouse today to testify against Harry Veltman III, 47, of Westminster.

Federal prosecutors contend that from late 1990 to mid-1991, Veltman repeatedly sent Witt obscene and threatening letters, some of which included nude photographs of himself.

In his opening statement, Assistant U.S. Atty. Wayne Gross said that the letters were “sexually explicit” and that their “contents were both graphic and bizarre.”

Gross also said that in addition to the letters, Veltman “harassed” Witt, showing up at her residence in East Germany and asking her to marry him.

When Witt ignored Veltman’s behavior, he became abusive and threatening, “stalking her” at several of her professional skating performances.

Veltman, who is representing himself, told the jury in a brief opening statement that he is innocent until proven guilty and should “be afforded every advantage” as the defendant, including the first opportunity to question Witt when she takes the stand during the prosecution’s case.

U.S. District Judge Gary L. Taylor denied Veltman’s request.

Since his December arrest, Veltman’s mental competency has repeatedly been questioned. During the past several months, he has said he has found a cure for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, can locate Noah’s ark and is a presidential candidate.

Nonetheless, Veltman was declared competent to stand trial.