Trial to start in molestation case Suspect formerly was school district tutor BY JIM MCGUIRE Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter Jim McGuire at 725-8412 or jmcguire@dailygazette.net.
A Gloversville school district tutor charged with molesting a 13-year-old boy in March is scheduled to go on trial today in Fulton County Court. Jury selection is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in the trial of William D. Cross, 54, of West Street, Gloversville. Cross, an unsuccessful candidate for a Gloversville school board seat in 1992, was suspended as a tutor after his April 1 arrest. School officials said the alleged incident did not involve a student or occur as part of Cross’ duties as a tutor. It was unclear in April how long Cross had worked for the school system. Cross was indicted in July on charges of second-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child. First Assistant District Attorney Chad Brown is prosecuting the case before Judge Polly A. Hoye. Brown declined comment on the allegations against Cross, but he said he expects the trial to last three or four days. Defense attorney Russell P. Martin could not be reached for comment. At the time of Cross’ arrest, Gloversville school officials described Cross as one of numerous per diem tutors hired by the district to assist students unable to attend classes because of suspensions or illness. Cross was arrested April 1 on the same two charges filed by the grand jury. Police said Cross engaged in oral sex with the boy. Police have not disclosed how Cross came into contact with the boy. School officials, speaking after the arrest, said there had been no prior complaints made against Cross. In the 1992 school board race in which six candidates vied for three available seats, Cross finished ........................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....amp;EntityId=Ar00901
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