The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

Michael A. Kuest’s trial for rape in the first degree has been rescheduled from next week to Oct. 22. Kuest, 27, of Ritzville has been in custody since he was arrested on June 3. He is being held on $250,000 bail.

A pre-trial hearing and a suppression motion were scheduled for Monday, July 15. However, on July 8, public defenders Kyle Smith’s and Barrett Scudder’s motions to be dismissed from the case were granted by Judge Steven B. Dixon.

Also on July 8, Dixon appointed Douglas Phelps as Kuest’s new attorney. Smith and Scudder had themselves replaced previously excused attorney Ca...