Akon Ordered To Stand Trial For Charges

An 2007 incident where he tossed a fan offstage, sends Akon to trial.
According to the PoughKeepsie Journal, the singer appeared in Fishkill court this morning and was told by the Town Justice Harold Epstein a jury trial was scheduled to begin on December 1st.

Akon is being charged with throwing a 15-year old boy from Orange County offstage and into the crowd at a June 2007 KFEST concert in Fishkill. He pleaded not guilty in December 2007 to a violation of second-degree harassment and a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a minor.

Dutchess County Assistant District Attorney Anthony Parisi offered to work with Akon’s attorneys, Andrea Zellan and Benjamin Brafman in an effort to avoid a trial. After his December 2007 court appearance, Akon’s lawyers released a statement expressing his interest in the matter not going to trial.

“We are pleased that Judge Epstein adjourned the case to a date certain for either a trial or a negotiated resolution," said the statement. "Akon looks forward to putting this incident behind him, and in the meantime, he will continue to meet every requirement set forth by the court.”

If convicted of both charges Akon faces up to a year and fifteen days in prison.