C.R. man wants robbery trial moved from county

CEDAR RAPIDS - A man with a lengthy criminal history asked a judge Tuesday to move his robbery trial out of Iowa's 6th Judicial District, saying he can't get a fair and impartial jury in Linn County.

Henry Rogers, 29, of Cedar Rapids, was charged in September with second-degree robbery. He's accused of knocking Sarah Fetter, 24, unconscious with a punch and stealing two cellphones from her.

The defense is arguing that extensive media coverage of Rogers' criminal history and previous charges and arrests was “extensive, inflammatory and prejudicial to the defendant.”

The prosecution, meanwhile, says mere exposure to news accounts doesn't create prejudice in the minds of prospective jurors.

The judge will rule later on the change of venue motion.

Rogers

has been arrested 49 times, including on the latest robbery charge, and

was released from prison in June after serving 11 months for a punch that led to the death of a Cedar Rapids man.