Lina Sinha Trial Underway

(New York City) Remember Lina Sinha? She is the 40-ish Montessori School teacher who is charged with 80 total counts of rape, sodomy and tampering with witnesses and evidence in a teacher-student sex case which began back in October 2005.

Last year, Sinha rejected a plea bargain which would have sent her to prison for six years, opting for a trial instead.

Yesterday, the trial of Lina Sinha got underway in State Supreme Court in Manhattan with jury selection.

Interestingly, in the pool of prospective jurors was Steven Soderbergh, author of the 1989 film "Sex, Lies and Videotape" and, presumably, a perfect juror for a teacher-student sex case. Unfortunately and over objections of the defense lawyer, Gerald L. Shargel, Justice Carol Berkman dismissed Soderbergh. This was probably a good move since having Soderbergh on the jury would have guaranteed a media circus which might disrupt the smooth functioning of the justice system.

Justice Berkman seems to be keeping the courtroom proceedings under strict control which, hopefully, will lead to a swift outcome.

Justice Carol Berkman kept the prosecutor, Rachel L. Hochhauser, and Mr. Shargel on a tight leash, giving them only 20 minutes to question each panel of prospective jurors. When Mr. Shargel expressed a mild hope that the judge would be flexible, she replied: "Mr. Shargel, I take yoga and Pilates. I'm quite flexible."

She also told the jurors not to believe everything they see on television, adding, "I'm nothing like that judge in Miami." A few of the jurors, at least, seemed to get the reference to Larry Seidlin, the former Bronx cabby who ruled last week in a dispute over custody of the body of Anna Nicole Smith.

Whaddaya know? Bronx hack driver makes good -- becomes judge in Florida. Not only that, but I heard that CBS has hired Judge Seidlin for something. Maybe he'll do another judge show because, apparently, there can never be enough.

There will be more as the Lina Sinha trial progresses. Stay tuned.

Previous:

10/20/06 - 'Nasty in Manhattan' Going to Trial
09/06/06 - Teacher Lina Sinha Offered Plea Deal
05/31/06 - Teacher Lina Sinha - Nasty in Manhattan
10/30/05 - Female Teacher Charged with Rape of Student

[Update 03/30/07]

Lina Sinha convicted. Sentencing scheduled for April 19th.


[Update 04/19/07]

Sinha sentenced to prison.