James Wright’s sexual assault trial in Bristol, Va., moved to Jan. 27, 2010

BY MICHAEL L. OWENS
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
BRISTOL, Va. – James W. Wright simply nodded his head and mouthed “yes” when agreeing with Tuesday’s decision to move his sexual assault

trial to Jan. 27.
Minutes earlier, the former nursing home aide hung his head as he strode into the Bristol Virginia Circuit Court. Once seated beside defense

attorney Barry Proctor, though, Wright 35, of Bristol, craned his neck to glance at the bailiffs, lawyers, and few other people nearby.
Tuesday marked Wright’s first court appearance since his Aug. 25 arrest on charges of sexually assaulting four patients at the National

HealthCare nursing home on North Street sometime between 2000 and 2007.
None of Wright’s accusers were in the court room. Bristol Commonwealth’s Attorney Jerry Wolfe later told the judge that the accusers did not

know of Tuesday’s hearing. The case was initially set for Nov. 16.
“I do trust that your office will be making contact with them very shortly ... with regards to this matter,” Judge Larry Kirksey said.
“Yes sir, your honor,” Wolfe replied.
More accusations against Wright are included in the Virginia Board of Nursing’s case. The board yanked his nursing license in August, but

has scheduled a formal hearing for Nov. 19 in Richmond.
Since his arrest, Wright has remained without bond in the Bristol Virginia Jail, where he remains.
Kirksey on Tuesday noted fears that the delay into next year could violate the state’s speedy-trial rule, which requires a trial be held

within five months of a defendant’s arrest. Failure to meet this deadline could force a prosecutor to drop charges. The only way around the

rule is to garner the defendant’s OK.
Though Wright’s trial was originally set for next week, defense attorney Proctor asked for more time to prepare his case.
“There are a number of potential witnesses and complaints that need to be investigated,” Proctor said.
Wolfe noted that a continuance would help his office, too.
“This is a serious matter that was investigated by the attorney general’s office,” he said. “We also would like some time to interview

possible witnesses.”
Kirksey then looked to Wright, and asked if he would waive his right to a speedy trial in favor of the continuance.
Wright, donning the jail-issue orange shirt and pants, stood, nodded his head, and mouthed an inaudible agreement.
Minutes later, bailiffs whisked Wright through the courtroom’s back exit.
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