Marash Gojcaj Asking for Speedy Trial on Tampering Charge

Stephan Seeger, Marash Gojcaj's attorney on the tampering with a witness charge, told Judge Susan Reynolds he is asking for a speedy trial.

Gojcaj, wearing an orange prison suit and a gold chain, appeared briefly in Danbury Superior Court Friday. Seeger, who was one of the attorneys defending Gojcaj of murder charges in 2010, said the case against his client is weak, and it's time to finish it.

"It's not unusual for a defendant in this position to ask for a speedy trial," Seeger said.

Seeger said the evidence is so thin in this case, it makes no sense to delay a trial. Seeger said both he and his client arrived at court ready to start picking jurors.

When Judge Reynolds said she couldn't hear the case before Oct. 26, Seeger objected.

"Is there any possible way we could do this sooner," Seeger asked.

State's Attorney Stephen Sedensky said Assistant States Attorney Sharmese Hodge will be trying the case, and she is starting a trial next week against Troy Grant.

"I'd just ask to go to a date after that," Sedensky said. "My understanding is they're starting jury selection (on Grant) next week."

When Seeger said he would file a motion asking for a speedy trial, Judge Reynolds asked if he had filed it. Seeger said no.

Judge Reynolds said file it.

Gojcaj was convicted in 2010 of murdering his uncle, who was his business partner in Gusto's Ristorante, 275 Main St. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

"He's a guy who has been sitting in prison on a 50 year sentence. We've been sending motions back and forth on a case that is very, very thin," Seeger said.