The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Trial date pushed in Freeman hearing

The trial for Broadway Neighborhood Center Director Susan Freeman-Murdah has been pushed back again.

Freeman-Murdah was charged Feb. 1 with failing to fulfill her legal duty as a mandatory reporter after hearing evidence that a child in Head Start — which Freeman oversees — had been sexually abused, according to a police complaint.

A teacher reportedly told Freeman a parent had approached Head Start officials with concerns her daughter had been sexually assaulted in December 2011. The law requires Freeman to report any sexual assault within 24 hours.

Police said the alleged victim was under 12 years old.

The final pretrial conference will now be held May 4, and the trial will begin May 8 in the Johnson County Courthouse.

— by Beth Bratsos

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