Attorney: Moving Joey Meek trial to Charleston would be unfair

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — After a weekend of research, the attorney for Joey Meek, the friend of Dylann Roof charged with lying to investigators, said she thinks moving the trial from Columbia to Charleston would be unfair. Attorney Deborah Barbier said in a letter to Judge Richard Gergel filed Monday that she had discussed the proposal with Meek and decided not to seek a change of venue for the trial. “My client is deeply concerned that his family members and supporters would not be able to afford to attend a trial in Charleston,” Barbier’s letter reads, noting that all of the witnesses connected to Meek’s charges live in and around Columbia. “Mr. Meek is also concerned that having the trial in Charleston, South Carolina – the location of the crimes allegedly committed by Dylann Roof – may improperly influence the jury with passion and prejudice against Mr. Meek.” Gergel said Friday during a pre-trial hearing that he was interested in possibly moving the trial to Charleston in part because the victims of the Emanuel AME church shooting all live in Charleston and he wanted to facilitate their attendance. Barbier also said in the letter Monday that she would not have access to her law office and equipment she needs during trials. Meanwhile, Barbier and the federal prosecutors are working together to build a likely jury questionnaire that will be sent to hundreds of people across the state as they build a jury pool for Meek’s trial. No paperwork was filed Monday denying a statewide jury pool by Meek’s attorney.