Small claims action delayed until February 5

Wichita, KS – Abortionist George R. Tiller ignored a subpoena to appear in small claims court today where he is being sued for $4,000 for a hit-and-run incident on pro-life activist Mark Gietzen last year. Judge Steven K. Woodring explained to Tiller’s abortion clinic security manager John Rayburn that he could not stand in for his employer, and that Tiller must appear in person like everyone else.
Two attorneys for Tiller were also in court asking for the case to be removed from Judge Woodring’s courtroom to the District Court across the street for security reasons. Usually, in small claims appearances, parties are not allowed legal representation during the proceedings.
Judge Woodring granted that request and rescheduled the small claims trial for February 5, 2008.
“Tiller tried to pull a fast one in court by sending the hired help, but the Judge wouldn’t go for it this time. It certainly revealed Tiller’s elitist mentality,” said Operation Rescue spokesperson Cheryl Sullenger, who attended today’s hearing. “Tiller continues to show that he truly believes that the laws simply do not apply to him in the same way they do to everyone else. Even though the Judge is requiring that Tiller show up for the next hearing, I can’t help but wonder what the outcome would have been if one of the other defendants in small claims court had attempted similar shenanigans. I doubt the result would have been a two month delay and a change of venue.”
The small claims suit is not Tiller’s only legal problem. He currently faces 19 criminal charges of committing illegal abortions. A grand jury investigation against him for additional criminal acts is pending and waiting on a ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court. Tiller is also the subject of two active investigations with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
“Tiller continues to display an ‘I’m above the law’ attitude that should be a red flag to every law enforcement agency in the state. People that think they are the exception to every rule rarely obey them,” said Sullenger. “And in the abortion business, that kind of disregard is dangerous.”