PORT ANGELES — The trial of former Olympic Medical Center physician Josiah Hill, accused of sex crimes against patients, has been moved to Jan. 22 next year.
Hill on Friday waived his right to a speedy trial to allow more time for the prosecution and defense to prepare and accommodate for prosecution and defense schedules. A status hearing was set for 1:30 p.m. June 16.
This is the second time the trial has been rescheduled. The trial was initially set for April 10, but in February it was moved to June 5, again to allow more time for the prosecution and defense to prepare.
Michele Devlin, chief criminal deputy prosecuting attorney, said that the investigation into Hill is ongoing and more charges could be filed against him.
At least six women have come forward alleging that Hill sexually assaulted them while they were in his care as an emergency department physician at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles.
Hill has been charged with five counts of indecent liberties by a healthcare provider and at least one count of rape in the second degree.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently under home electronic monitoring with travel restrictions to a handful of counties in the state.
On April 3, Hills attorney Jared Ausserer filed a motion to appoint defense investigation services at public expense due to Hill’s inability to financially retain a private defense investigator, according to court documents.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Simon Barnhart granted the appointment of Linda Montgomery of Montgomery Investigations of Seattle for a budget of $10,000 total or $150 per hour.
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Reporter Ken Park can be reached at kpark@peninsuladailynews.com
