Judge Postpones Decision on Closing Hearing on Illicit Sex

A Burbank Municipal Court judge Friday delayed for a week a hearing on whether to keep secret court files and close the preliminary hearing for a Burbank High School fund-raiser who allegedly seduced a teenage football player with promises of financial support for the team.

Jacque Boyle, the attorney for Salle Dumm, has asked the court to seal all records and transcripts, impose a gag order and close the preliminary hearing, set to begin Thursday, because he said news media accounts have been inaccurate and could prejudice prospective jurors.

“I think it would be in the best interest of justice,” Boyle said outside of court and refusing to comment further on his motions.

The Los Angeles Times opposed the motions and attorney Karlene Goller, who represents the paper and the Burbank Leader, said they have little merit and will require extensive proof that the open proceedings will harm Boyle’s client. Goller, who filed a brief opposing the motions, said there is no reason to shut the public out of the proceedings.

Municipal Judge Rand Rubin, following a request by Boyle, agreed to postpone the hearing on the motions until next Thursday, before the beginning of the preliminary hearing.

Dumm, president of the Burbank Educational Foundation, has pleaded not guilty to two felony charges--unlawful sex with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. According to records, Dumm is accused of having sex last July with the 17-year-old football player and afterward promised him more money if he would return to her home the next night.