Photographer indicted in fondling of 2 kids

An Oahu grand jury yesterday indicted a professional photographer with fondling two 10-year-old children during individual student photo sessions at Lehua Elementary School in Pearl City.

The indictment charges Gerard Mueden, 31, with two counts of third-degree sexual assault.

Circuit Judge Richard Perkins set bail at $20,000.

The charges stem from two alleged incidents on Sept. 22 involving two fifth-graders.

The court had initiated a criminal case against Mueden in October based on what it thought was a grand jury indictment against him. The grand jury foreman later told the court there was a mistake and a judge dismissed the case, but left open the possibility for a new case.

Grandson is charged with attempted murder

An Aiea Heights man accused of beating his 85-year-old grandmother will face trial in state court for attempting to kill her.

An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Darrel Wright with attempted second-degree murder.

Wright, 49, remains in custody, unable to post $500,000 bail.

Police said Wright called 911 last Wednesday, told the operator he had just beaten up his grandmother and asked for police assistance.

When an ambulance crew arrived at his home, they found Wright standing over his grandmother, who was slumped in a reclining chair covered in blood. Police said Wright nodded when an emergency medical technician asked him if he was responsible for the woman's injuries, then pounded his fist into his open hand to demonstrate what he did.

Wright was under a doctor's care at the time for psychiatric issues, police said.

Sessions abroad open to high school students

Local high school students who want to live with a host family and attend school in a foreign country should call the ASSE International Student Exchange Program.

The nonprofit ASSE is offering programs abroad for an academic year, semester or the summer. Call (800) 733-2773 for information.