The judge in the case of a Lewis man charged with the sexual abuse of a 14-year old girl has approved expanded media coverage of the trial. Fourth District Court Judge Kathleen Kilnoski this (Monday) morning granted permission for KJAN News and other media outlets to record certain segments of the trial as allowed by law, and take still pictures without the use of flash, despite objections by witnesses, and the attorney for 52-year old Roger Allen Ericksen.

Ericksen faces two Aggravated Misdemeanor charges of Assault with the intent to commit Sexual Abuse, two counts of Lascivious Conduct with a Minor (A Serious Misdemeanor), and 46 Class-C felony counts of Sexual Abuse in the 3rd degree. Jury selection in his trial is slated to begin at 9:30-a.m. Tuesday, with opening statements at around 1-p.m.

Ericksen was arrested in December 2011, following an on-going investigation into allegations he had sexual contact with a teenaged girl over a two-month period of time in May of 2011. He’s plead not guilty to the charges.

The trial is expected to last about three-days.