Bethel Incest Defendant Fails to Win Public Defender

George Sayers, who is out on a $750,000 bond, was denied a public defender Friday in Danbury Superior Court.

Sayers showed up for court in a brown turtleneck, khacki pants and work shoes. He learned he didn't qualify for a public defender, and asked for about five weeks to locate one.

Judge Joseph Doherty told Sayers the next time he shows up in court he must appear with an attorney. The court date is scheduled for Jan. 25.

Sayers, 46, and his daughter, Tiffany Hartford, 23, are accused of having a child together. Sayers and Hartford were charged on Dec. 3 with obscenity, third-degree sexual assault and conspiracy to commit obscenity. In addition to having a child together, the father and daughter are also charged with making pornographic videos starring Hartford and another woman. Court records said the videos sold for $40 and still photographs sold for $5 each.

Hartford appeared at her hearing in Danbury Superior Court about an hour before Sayers.

Judge Doherty told the court he received two letters about Miss Hartford, one from Danbury Hospital and one from Western Connecticut Mental Health Network. He said the letters were complimentary to Hartford, and he said he wanted to say that for the record. He said she should continue to be compliant with what the programs ask her to do, and work on her issues.

Hartford appeared in blue jeans, a red shirt with a black windbreaker over it, a lip ring and black high heel shoes.