Lewis says jail hinders self-representation

Arron Lewis is escorted out of court after a hearing Monday, June 1, 2015.
Arron Lewis is escorted out of court after a hearing Monday, June 1, 2015.

Arron Lewis, charged with the kidnapping and killing of real estate agent Beverly Carter, will have one week to file motions regarding the means by which he can gather and review evidence for his trial, a judge ruled Monday.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Herb Wright ruled earlier this year that Lewis, 34, is allowed to represent himself in the case. Lewis is charged with capital murder in the killing of Carter, whose body was found last year in a shallow grave in northern Pulaski County days after she disappeared after going to show a home.

But on Monday, Lewis told Wright his being incarcerated has presented obstacles in gathering and reviewing evidence he needs to prepare his defense.

“You said last February you would hold me to the same standards of a lawyer; I expected a fair shake,” Lewis said.

Wright told Lewis that some of the limitations imposed on him by Arkansas Department of Correction are beyond the judge's jurisdiction. “Part of the problem is — I am going to hold you to the same standards of an attorney — but you’re incarcerated so there are restrictions placed on you that are outside of my control,” Wright said.

Lewis said he was denied a writing utensil for security reasons and he was unable to review the prosecutor’s digital evidence, including materials on compact disks and audio recordings.

Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Johnson told Wright that Lewis had the opportunity to view the evidence.

“At the jail we had a computer ready if he wished to look at any of the information contained on disks,” Johnson said. “He had access to it. He didn’t ask for it.”

Johnson said most of the evidence is in paper form. “Whatever we intend to use against him is contained either in paper form he was provided or on compact disks that we have provided that we are prepared to show him,” Johnson said.

Wright said he will do what he can to ensure Lewis has access to all the evidence, including digital information.

“Anything that they’re going to use against you they’re going to provide you, so if they don’t let you inside a telephone, inside a computer, whatever’s inside that phone or inside that computer will not be allowed to be introduced at trial,” Wright said.

Lewis said he also hasn't had access to evidence that is vital to his defense. He said he needs to retrieve information from his laptop computer and his cellphone.

“I need four videos off of my phone,” Lewis said. “That cellphone is my only means of defense.”

Wright said Lewis needs to turn over his cellphone lock code if he wants to use evidence from it, but Lewis said he doesn't trust anyone with the code.

“I will see what measures can be taken to get you that information,” Wright said. “At some point, though, in order to get you that information you’re going to have to turn over your code to somebody, I don’t know who yet, but somebody. I will find somebody the court can appoint to handle that part of it.”

Lewis has one week to file all his motions in writing. Wright said after Lewis files his motions he will decide whether another hearing is necessary.

Arron Lewis, who is charged in the death of real estate agent Beverly Carter, spoke briefly Monday as he was escorted out of Pulaski County Circuit Court after a hearing Monday, June 1, 2015.

Raw video: Arron Lewis leaving court

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