A Cape Cod man
who claimed he was homophobic, racist, and a habitual liar
to avoid jury duty earned an angry rebuke Monday from a
judge, who referred the case to prosecutors for
possible charges.
"In 32 years of
service in courtrooms, as a prosecutor, as a defense
attorney, and now as a judge, I have quite frankly never
confronted such a brazen situation of an individual
attempting to avoid juror service," superior court
judge Gary Nickerson in Barnstable, Mass., told
Daniel Ellis, according to a preliminary court
transcript of the exchange.
Ellis, of
Falmouth, had been called to court with about 60 other
potential jurors for possible service on a 23-member grand
jury.
On a
questionnaire that all potential jurors fill out, Ellis
wrote that he didn't like homosexuals and blacks. He
then echoed those sentiments in an interview with
Nickerson.
"You say on your
form that you're not a fan of homosexuals," Nickerson
said.
"That I'm a
racist," Ellis interrupted.
"I'm frequently
found to be a liar too. I can't really help it," Ellis
added.
"I'm sorry?"
Nickerson said.
"I said I'm
frequently found to be a liar," Ellis replied.
"So, are you
lying to me now?" Nickerson asked.
"Well, I don't
know. I might be" was the response.
Ellis then
admitted he really didn't want to serve on a jury.
"I have the
distinct impression that you're intentionally trying to
avoid jury service," Nickerson said.
"That's true,"
Ellis answered.
Nickerson ordered
Ellis taken into custody. He was released later Monday
morning.
Ellis could face
perjury and other charges. (AP)
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