No trial date has been set yet for Venoy Overton, the former University of Washington basketball player charged by King County prosecutors with second-degree promoting prostitution along Pacific Highway in Kent.
Overton showed up for a court date July 14 at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. But attorneys from both sides agreed to continue the case until Aug. 3, according to Ian Goodhew, spokesman for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. On Aug. 3, a trial date could be set or attorneys could ask for more time to prepare the case and continue it again to a later date.
Overton, 22, of Seattle, posted bail June 30 after about two weeks in the county jail in Kent. He pleaded not guilty June 30 to the charge of second-degree promoting prostitution. King County Superior Court Judge Cheryl Carey reduced his bail from $150,000 to $25,000 after his arraignment.
If convicted as charged, Overton faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Kent Police began their investigation of Overton May 20 when undercover officers contacted an 18-year-old woman for prostitution activity on Pacific Highway South, a well-known area for prostitution in Kent. That woman told police that Overton had arranged for her to work the streets as a prostitute, according to charging papers.
Kent Police arrested Overton June 16 in Seattle for investigation of second-degree promoting prostitution.
James Bible, defense attorney for Overton, told the court June 30 that Overton has a place to stay with his significant other. That woman appeared in court at Overton’s arraignment and accompanied him to his July 14 court appearance when he signed papers to agree to continue his case until Aug. 3.
Overton graduated in June from the UW.
Overton ranks third all-time in UW history with 177 steals and fifth all-time with 390 assists. Overton led Franklin High School of Seattle to a state basketball title in 2006.
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