Thursday, I drove to Asheville and took pictures of the courthouse and asked questions of those working in order to be prepared for Friday. Friday would my first trip to witness a session in this courthouse and I wanted to leave nothing to chance. This move turned out to be worth the time and effort.

Friday’s schedule included a 9:15AM plea hearing for Jason Gross and a 10:00AM plea hearing for Dr. Jerry Gross. In front of these two hearings, another man was before Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell. This man was already incarcerated and was facing additional charges. His hearing ended and Jason Gross and his attorney took their appointed seats.

Before the Judge could address the plea agreement, he moved through several required steps including an initial appearance hearing and an arraignment. Jason was advised of his rights, informed of the charges, advised he could have a public attorney and told the difference between and indictment and bill of information. Jason had already secured David B. Freedman as an attorney. Upon entering the courtroom, the Judge acknowledged Mr. Freedman and said it had been years since he had seen him. This was typically southern friendly.
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