A new trial is coming in the case of a man accused of robbing an Emporia convenience store 11 months ago.
On Tuesday, Lyon County Judge Merlin Wheeler declared a mistrial in the case against 44-year-old Harold Stewart. Stewart had grown dissatisfied with defense counsel Steve Atherton after trial began Monday and requested a new attorney.
The case has been transferred to Judge Lee Fowler. Rick Meier has been appointed as Stewart’s new defense lawyer. A new trial date has not been announced.
Stewart is accused of robbing the Max’s BP convenience store in downtown Emporia last February. He faces one count of aggravated robbery in the case.
