Court Briefs

Thomas Waddell, 42, is charged with residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and assault with a caustic chemical. The charges carry a total of about eight years in prison.

Waddell was arrested June 13 after repeatedly accusing his neighbor of molesting his children. Waddell attacked the victim as he walked down the street and allegedly beat him. After the victim ran into his home, Waddell followed him and threw a can of gasoline at him, according to the District Attorney's Office. The victim fled and went to the police station. Waddell reportedly broke a window and vandalized the home before being apprehended.

Waddell's wife told police there was no validity to the molestation claims.

Waddell remains in custody in lieu of $500,000 bail. He returns to court July 14 to set a preliminary hearing.

Jury picked for accused Ecstasy

dealer trial

A jury was finalized yesterday for the trial of a 19-year-old man accused of helping sell two Ecstasy pills to an undercover police officer at a rave last fall.

Sidney Carey is charged with selling an illegal drug Sept. 29, 2003 at the Cyberfest Rave held at the Cow Palace in South San Francisco. Carey acted as a go-between for the actual seller and the buyer and served as a lookout during the transaction, according to prosecutors. The defense plans to call the actual drug dealer to testify that he does not know Carey and he had nothing to do with the sale.

A judge ruled earlier this week that the jury will learn about Carey's juvenile misdemeanor conviction of charges of receiving stolen property. Opening statements begin this morning.

Carey is free from custody on his own recognizance.