A jury trial began Monday in 6th Judicial District Court for a man accused of sexual assault on a child as a pattern of sexual abuse, which is a Class 3 felony.
Edmund Peter Marx, 63, of Hesperus, faces nine felony charges that include three counts of sexual assault on a child in a position of trust, two counts of sexual contact without consent, three counts of aggravated incest and one count of tampering with a witness or victim.
According to court documents, the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Texas Department of Child Protective Services in June 2014, accusing Marx of illegal conduct with a minor on numerous occasions.
In September 2014, Marx interviewed with an investigator for the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and an assistant district attorney. He also submitted to a polygraph exam, which detected signs of deception. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued.
The selection process for a 14-member jury began Monday in 6th Judicial District Judge William Herringer’s courtroom. It lasted all day. Marx is represented by public defender Sara Hildebrand.
Opening statements are expected to come later this week.
Assistant District Attorney Christian Champagne is the prosecuting attorney.
jpace@durangoherald.com
