KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Mistrial granted in sexual abuse trial of former policeman

Mistrial granted in sexual abuse trial of former policeman

by Angela Blanchard
Friday, March 7, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A Superior Court judge granted a mistrial in the case of a former Anchorage police officer accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl and possessing child pornography.

Sammy Cohen's defense attorney requested the mistrial, claiming he needed more time to prepare.

State prosecutors were initially unable to locate the alleged victim but then found her two days ago.

A federal agency tipped off police in 2005 that the 54-year-old Cohen had explicit images of children on his computer.    

Shortly afterwards, allegations came out that he had abused the girl.    

A new trial date has not been set.