Portsmouth, Va. – The trial of former Churchland High School teacher and Western Branch girls basketball coach Jarvis Green has been delayed again because too few jurors showed up for the scheduled hearing. Court clerk Cynthia Morrison, who has served the Portsmouth Circuit Court for 25 years, said the shortage was unprecedented in her tenure.
Juror turnout falls short of required numbers
The court had summoned 50 potential jurors, but only 22 appeared in the courtroom. After a brief waiting period, the presiding judge determined that the number was insufficient to proceed with a case of this seriousness and recessed the trial.
“Twenty‑two jurors for a case of that magnitude was probably not enough people to feel as though they could, you know, ask the questions and still wind up with the number that they needed to proceed to trial,” Morrison explained.
Charges and alleged incidents
Green faces multiple counts, including indecent liberties with a child while in a supervisory role and forcible sodomy. Court documents allege that the incidents occurred in 2015. According to the filings, Green allegedly engaged in sexual activity with one student inside a classroom and had sexual contact with another student in a car on campus. Additional alleged encounters are said to have taken place at Green’s home.
Next steps and potential penalties for non‑appearance
The judge warned that any subpoenaed witnesses who fail to appear for the rescheduled trial could be fined $500. Morrison noted that the court will issue a new round of summonses because the next trial date falls in a new term of court, meaning a fresh pool of potential jurors will be called.
“We will probably have a different set of people because it’ll be a new term of court and so summonses will be sent out to another pool of people,” Morrison said.
Trial now set for March 2027
The postponed trial is now scheduled to begin on March 10, 2027. Docket records indicate that the case was previously withdrawn in December 2025 and again in June 2026, though the reasons for those withdrawals were not listed.
Community members expressed concern that the delay could prolong the resolution of serious allegations involving a former educator. “Our citizens usually take their responsibility towards the judiciary very seriously,” Morrison added, emphasizing the importance of civic duty in the jury system.
Portsmouth officials continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the new trial date approaches.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
