Attorney for Ohio murder suspect withdraws amid sexual assault charges

4/16/2013

COLUMBUS — The attorney for an Ohio murder defendant has withdrawn from the case after being charged with sexually assaulting his client’s mother in his law office.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that Javier Armengau withdrew from the case Monday.

An attorney who appeared on Armengau’s behalf told a judge that he “strenuously denies” the allegations but was “ethically compelled” to withdraw as the attorney for 23-year-old Jeffery Collins — one of three people charged in the fatal shooting of a gas-station clerk last year.

Collins’ mother said the 51-year-old Armengau fondled her and exposed himself during a meeting about her son’s case in his office. He has been charged with gross sexual imposition and public indecency.

Another attorney was appointed to defend Collins. His trial is scheduled for May 15.