Judge reviews grand jury minutes in sex abuse case against former Hilton principal

[anvplayer video=”5088132″ station=”998131″]

GREECE, N.Y. (WHEC) — The judge in the trial of former Hilton elementary school principal Kirk Ashton Monday reviewed the Grand Jury minutes.

Prosecutors say it’s a common practice that gave them the go-ahead to prepare for trial.

Ashton is accused of sexually abusing 26 young male students while he was principal of Northwood Elementary School from 2004 through 2021. He is currently out on bail.

Assistant District Attorney Sara Van Strydonck said during Monday’s proceedings it was also decided that the prosecution will turn over more evidence to the defense.

"Essentially the court found that there was nothing improper done by the grand jury and that we has legally sufficient evidence to move forward and that’s what we intend on doing and then we’re just back to provide some specificity to the defense in regards to the charges," Van Strydonck said.

Van Strydonck said that will happen on March 25, and at that point, they will be trial-ready.

From there, prosecutors will just be waiting on a trial date.