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Former U.S. Attorney Joins Defense Team of Baby Kate’s Father

Posted at 8:32 PM, Mar 03, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-04 05:17:24-05
phillips

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LUDINGTON, Mich. (Mar. 3, 2014) — A former U.S. Attorney will help defense team of Sean Phillips, accused of killing his 5-month-old daughter Kate.

John Smietanka confirmed to FOX 17 Monday that he will be on Phillips’ taxpayer-funded defense team.  The state attorney general announced in October 2o13 that would prosecute Phillips.

Smietanka, a former U.S. attorney for the  West Michigan District, said he will advise David Glancy, the attorney appointed to represent Phillips in the trial.  He will also work alongside Gene Debbaudt, a former head of West Michigan’s FBI office.

Phillips is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted of unlawful imprisonment for taking Kate from her mother in the summer of 2011.  Baby Kate has never been found.