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Judge denies change of attorney request by Rome man accused of rape

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Aug 21, 2012 at 12:10 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2012 at 12:16 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A Rome man accused of tying up a woman, holding her captive and raping her, was in Oneida County Court on Tuesday.

John Santoro, of Rome, wore protective netting over his head as he appeared before Judge Barry Donalty, because authorities said Santoro has spit at people in court during his previous appearances.

The 24 year old launched into a several-minute long, articulate speech on Monday about why he needed a new attorney.

"Dave Cook and I have had a deterioration in our attorney-client relationship that can't be fixed and I've completely lost all trust in him," Santoro said in court.

Judge Donalty denied that motion and set some hearing dates in September.

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