C.R. man’s robbery trial moved from Linn County

CEDAR RAPIDS - A man with a lengthy criminal history will have his next trial in Scott County after a judge agreed that 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 argued that extensive media coverage of Rogers' criminal history and previous charges and arrests was “extensive, inflammatory and prejudicial to the defendant.”

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

Sixth Judicial District Marsha Beckelman issued her ruling Friday. A trial date hasn't been set.

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.