By Marion Filler
Brian K. Session, accused of sexual assault and robbery in Morristown in January 2018, and in jail ever since, will have to wait a little longer for his day in court.
Superior Court Judge David Ironson on Tuesday informed Session and his attorney, Morris County Assistant Public Defender Joseph Corazza, that trials in Morris County are scheduled to start in December, and this case is on the list for Jan. 4, 2021.
The judge said he could not guarantee the date, however, because other cases also are scheduled for that day, and the pandemic could affect everything.
“But right now, tentatively, Jan. 4,” Ironson said during the virtual hearing.
Session, 50, of East Orange, is charged with a robbery gone wrong, which ended with a victim tied up, threatened by a stun gun, and sexually assaulted.
Combined with a rap sheet of at least 15 criminal convictions and numerous incarcerations, his record has prevented an early release while awaiting trial.
Corazza told the judge a system is being set up so he and Session can meet remotely to review videos pertinent to the case. The public defender said his office does not permit in-person visits to the Morris County Jail at this time because of COVID-19 concerns.
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez requested another trial conference by early December. Judge Ironson set the date at Nov. 17, saying another session could be held in December if necessary.
Session has rejected a deal that would have dropped rape and weapons charges in exchange for a guilty plea to kidnapping and burglaries. That plea bargain would have sent him to jail for at least 15 years. His 30-count indictment could put him away for life if he is convicted at trial.
When Session asked to speak to his lawyer on Tuesday, the judge directed them to a virtual “breakout room,” where they remained for about 20 minutes. Session did not reappear but Corazza did, saying he had nothing new to add.
Authorities say Session was burglarizing the victim’s apartment when she returned home from shopping just after 11 a.m. on Jan. 18, 2018.
The assailant sexually assaulted the woman after demanding her credit card and ATM pin, smashing her cell phone and iPad, attacking her with a stun gun, and tying her up, the woman told investigators. Her wrist, finger and ankles were injured.
Session denied the rape, but admitted binding the victim and carrying a Taser stun gun, according to court records. He told police the victim surprised him during the burglary. Authorities announced his arrest two days after the alleged attack.