Motions delay trial in school hostage case

BELFAST, Maine, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A man charged with holding children hostage at a Maine elementary school has filed motions accusing authorities of law-breaking.

Randall Brian Hofland, 56, of Searsport was arrested on Oct. 31, 2008, at the Stockton Springs Elementary School. He faces charges that include 22 counts of kidnapping and 12 of criminal restraint with a dangerous weapon.

Waldo County District Attorney Geoffrey Rushlau told the Bangor Daily News the motions Hofland has filed -- handwritten on yellow legal pads -- have delayed the trial.

"He has filed a vast number of motions," Rushlau said. "Just examining the record and seeing the vast amount of things he's put before the court, it's hard to see that they have much to do with the crimes with which he is charged. My focus is with the crimes with which he has been charged."

Hofland appeared at a hearing Friday. Superior Court Justice Jeffrey Hjelm said he hopes to deal with the motions in the next two months, clearing the way for a trial.

In many of his motions, Hofland, who is representing himself, says there have been "criminal acts" to keep him from calling witnesses. He says police stole property from his house.