Improper Juror Remark Halts Juror Selection in Deyette Case; Change of Venue May Be Sought
TWO HARBORS – The trial of Andrew Deyette, a former Finland, MN resident now living in Port Angeles, WA, came to an abrupt halt Tuesday, Feb. 3, after an improper remark from a prospective juror forced the dismissal of the entire jury pool.
Trial Derailed During Jury Selection
Proceedings began Tuesday morning at the Lake County Courthouse with a pool of 40 local residents called for service. By early afternoon, at least six potential jurors had been dismissed. However, the process was upended when a prospective juror made an unsolicited comment in front of the entire group.
District Judge Steven Hanke immediately ordered the pool to exit the courtroom. Following a lengthy recess and private conferences with Lake County Attorney Lara Nygaard and defense attorney Joseph Vaccaro, Judge Hanke ruled that the remark had potentially biased the entire group, necessitating their collective dismissal.
Background of the Charges
Deyette faces eight gross misdemeanor charges related to incidents in rural Beaver Bay during 2023 and 2024:
• Four counts of indecent exposure in the presence of a minor.
• Four counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree (lewd exhibition).
Some MN cases have faced previous delays as courts awaited a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of “lewd” conduct.
Future Proceedings and Change of Venue
With insufficient jurors remaining to seat a full panel, the court must now reschedule the trial. Defense attorney Joseph Vaccaro indicated he will file a formal motion for a change of venue, arguing that the difficulty in finding an unbiased jury within Lake County warrants moving the trial to a different jurisdiction.
Mr. Deyette is presumed innocent until proven guilty. For ongoing coverage of this case, watch the Northshore Journal for further updates as legal proceedings continue.
