Superior Court Judge Robert Bell has removed public defender Paul Welch as the lead counsel for Phillip Michael Stroupe, delaying his May trial indefinitely, District Attorney Greg Newman said Wednesday.
The new lead counsel for Stroupe is attorney Mark Melrose of Waynesville. His co-counsel will continue to be Forest City attorney Sarah Ziomek. She was appointed in 2017 to assist in representing Stroupe.
A new trial date has not been determined at this time.
“Naturally, we are disappointed that we cannot proceed to trial in May,” Newman said. “We have already issued witness subpoenas and several people have made travel arrangements for the month of May.
“The reason for this latest development cannot be made known publicly, but the new lead trial counsel is very experienced and I look forward to working with him in the case.
“I foresee a delay of several more months, but sometimes these things cannot be avoided. The judge has to do everything within his power to preserve the integrity of the trial process. I trust the judge’s decision on this issue and we will be ready to present our evidence whenever the defense team is ready to proceed.”
Stroupe remains in custody under no bond.
Welch is a Brevard attorney who has practiced law for 38 years. He was appointed as the public defender for Judicial District 29B in 2007.
