A U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. has granted a motion allowing the government to take a deposition in the criminal case against John Raymond Conner, III. Conner faces serious charges, including first-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping. The ruling is significant as it addresses issues of witness availability and the rights of the accused.
John Raymond Conner, III, is charged with eighteen offenses, including first-degree sexual abuse while armed and kidnapping. The charges stem from allegations of sexual assault against an individual identified as A.S. The case is set to go to trial on October 26, 2026, after Conner pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court’s decision to allow a deposition is based on the unavailability of a key witness, Oluwakemi Sowemimo, a scientist involved in DNA testing related to the case.
The dispute began when the United States filed a motion to take a deposition of Sowemimo under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 15. This rule allows for the preservation of testimony from prospective witnesses if exceptional circumstances exist. The government argued that Sowemimo’s testimony was crucial for the case, as she conducted DNA amplification on evidence from the alleged victim. However, her visa status raised concerns about her ability to testify at trial.
Judge Loren L. AliKhan presided over the case and ruled on the government’s amended motion for a deposition. The court noted that Sowemimo, a Nigerian citizen, would likely be unavailable for trial due to her visa expiring in mid-August 2026. The government expressed concerns about recent visa restrictions that could prevent Sowemimo from returning to the United States after her departure.
The court found that the government met the necessary criteria for a Rule 15 deposition. Judge AliKhan stated, “Exceptional circumstances warrant a Rule 15 deposition,” highlighting the importance of Sowemimo’s testimony in the context of the trial. The judge emphasized that the absence of her testimony could significantly impact the outcome of the case.
The ruling is particularly important because it addresses the balance between the rights of the defendant and the need for the prosecution to present its case effectively. The court acknowledged Conner’s Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses against him but determined that the exceptional circumstances surrounding Sowemimo’s visa situation justified the deposition.
Moving forward, the court’s decision allows the government to proceed with taking Sowemimo’s deposition on August 10, 2026. The deposition will be recorded and transcribed, ensuring that her testimony is preserved for the trial. The court also mandated that the government disclose all relevant materials to Conner’s defense team at least five days before the deposition, allowing for adequate preparation.
This ruling may set a precedent for similar cases involving witness availability and the use of depositions in criminal trials. It underscores the complexities of legal proceedings where witness testimony is critical, yet availability is uncertain due to immigration issues.
Conner’s case remains ongoing, and the outcome of the deposition may play a crucial role in the trial. The court has allowed for the possibility of objections to the deposition procedures, which could further impact how the case unfolds. As the trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defense will prepare to present their arguments and evidence to the jury.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to allow the deposition of a key witness in the case against John Conner reflects the legal system's efforts to balance the rights of the accused with the need to ensure justice is served. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it progresses through the legal system.