Mistrial Rejected for Man Accused of Planning Murder

HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) — A judge has rejected a motion for a mistrial sought by an Iowa man accused of sex abuse and of planning to poison the person he's accused of abusing.

Mark Retterath, of Osage, is charged with attempted murder, solicitation of murder, sexual abuse and other crimes. Authorities say Retterath targeted a person who intended to testify against Retterath about being assaulted by Retterath in 2003, 2006 and 2012.

Retterath's attorney, Angela Campbell, said Wednesday in a Hampton courtroom that one witness mentioned another alleged victim of Retterath, violating an order that the information be kept from the jury. But Judge Gregg Rosenbladt said the mention was so brief and vague it would be difficult to know what the comment meant.

The trial is expected to resume Thursday.