Leigh Teen Charged With Sexual Assault Wants Case Moved To Juvenile Court

A 17-year-old from Leigh who is charged with four felonies, including sexual assault, is requesting his case be moved to juvenile court.

Gabriel Safty appeared in Stanton County District Court on Monday morning, slouched between his attorney Brad Ewalt and his parents as he fidgeted with his handcuffs. Safty stared straight ahead at the judge during his arraignment, nodding occasionally when saying “Yes, Your Honor,” when asked if he understood his charges.

Ewalt verbally requested to Judge Mark Johnson that the case be moved to juvenile court and said he would file the necessary paperwork. When asked how Safety pleas, Ewalt told the judge his client would not be making a plea until after it was determined if the case would be moved.

Stanton County Attorney Bert Lammli requested Safety submit to a DNA test for the investigation. Ewalt agreed.

Judge Johnson said he would make a ruling on July 5 in regard to the request for moving the case to juvenile court.
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Safety remains in custody on 10 percent of a $500,000 bond. He’s charged with first degree sexual assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, burglary and theft.