After hearing, Satterfield sexual abuse trial set to start April 12

The sexual abuse trial for former University of Iowa football player Abe Satterfield is set to start April 12,  nearly two and a half  years after the incident that sparked the case was first reported.

Satterfield, 21, is charged with second- and third-degree sexual abuse for his alleged involvement in the rape of a female former UI student-athlete in October 2007.

Satterfield's  trial date had been moved multiple times, but after a pre-trial conference today, Assistant County Attorney Anne Lahey said Satterfield's trial should proceed as scheduled.  She said the trial is expected to last three to four days. Satterfield is being represented by Des Moines attorney Alfredo Parrish.

Former teammate Cedric Everson, 20, was also charged with second-degree sexual abuse.

Though the incident occurred in October 2007, Satterfield and Everson were not formally charged until May 2008. The case sparked the firing of former UI Vice President Phillip Jones after university officials were accused of mishandling an investigation of the incident.

Everson is set for trial on July 12.

RELATED:

• Sept. 4, 2009 -- Iowa ordered to turn over records in sexual assault probe
• Sept. 29, 2009 -- Satterfield asks for continuance in Iowa sexual abuse trial
• Oct. 21, 2009 -- Trial for former UI football player moved to April