Schweitzer
sex assault
trial delayed

By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

HILO -- At the request of his attorney, the trial for Albert Ian Schweitzer on charges he sexually assaulted a young girl in 1992-94 has been postponed by Judge Riki May Amano.

The trial was set to begin today, but attorney James Biven said he needed more time. Trial is now set for Oct. 4.

Schweitzer was previously a suspect in the murder of Dana Ireland, a case unrelated to the alleged assault on the girl. In an October 1998 agreement, the prosecution dropped the Ireland charges against Schweitzer, 27, and his brother Shawn, 23, because of "unforeseen developments" but reserved the right to refile them by June 1.

After Ian Schweitzer tested positive for drug use, his bail in the sex assault case was revoked in April. Brought from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center today in chains and an orange prison coverall, he told Amano he agreed with the delay.

"I believe it is for my benefit," he said.

Trial in the Ireland case for Frank Pauline Jr., 26, is set for June 14.