‘Bachelor’ star Chris Soules asks court to reset July trial

INDEPENDENCE - Former 'Bachelor” reality television star Chris Soules, charged in the April crash that resulted in a man's death, has waived his right to a speedy trial and is asking the court to reset his upcoming trial.

Soules, 35, is charged with hit and run resulting in a death and he has pleaded not guilty. He was arrested April 25 at his Arlington home after Kenneth Mosher, 66, of Aurora, died in the April 24 crash. Authorities said Soules was driving south on County Road W45 near Aurora around 8:20 p.m. when his pickup rear-ended a tractor driven by Mosher, who died at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.

Buchanan County District Court documents show 'empty and partially consumed open alcoholic beverages” were found in and around Soules' truck when authorities arrived at the scene. Soules was seen purchasing alcohol shortly before the crash, according to court documents.

Attorneys for Soules, in a motion filed Wednesday, asked the court to continue the trial at least 90 days because attorneys are still exchanging discovery - or evidence - materials and scheduling depositions. The defense also has two pending motions, on which the court hasn't yet ruled.

In May, Soules' lawyers asked the Buchanan County Attorney's Office to produce certain evidence and clarify its case against Soules so they can adequately prepare for his defense. In the motion they claim there are several ways the law could be violated and are asking the judge to order the prosecution to clarify which of the 'alternatives” Soules violated.

The prosecution resists the motion, arguing the defense's request is not 'essential to the preparation of a defense.”

Soules' trial is set for July 19 in Buchanan County. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

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