Richard Ricci, a former handyman for the Ed Smart family, appeared in court on Wednesday on charges of theft of materials from the Smart's home and burglary of a neighboring home.

Third District Judge Randall Skanchy entered a not guilty plea for Ricci, which is a standard legal procedure.

David Smith, Ricci's appearance lawyer, announced that he would not be representing Ricci as his defense attorney. Smith said he represented Ricci's wife in an unrelated civil matter and usually does not handle criminal cases.

"We decided after careful consideration that this is the best way to go," Smith said.

Ricci cannot afford the $50,000 to $70,000 cost of defense.

"The out-of-pocket cost is too high," Smith said.

Public defenders will be assigned the case.

"I will be available for the family for questions, but not as legal defense," he said.

Smith said because this is a high profile case and Ricci has a career criminal enhanced charge, he has no doubt that this case will go to trial.

Ricci is currently being held at the Utah State Prison on the theft and burglary charges and an alleged parole violation. He has also served time in prison for burglary in 1973 and aggravated robbery and attempted homicide in 1983.

Ricci has repeatedly denied any connection to the abduction of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart on June 5 from her bedroom.

"My former client is still strong on his denials with having anything to do with Elizabeth," Smith said. "He's just not the kind of person in my opinion that would pull an abduction of a child."

Smith said Ricci is willing to meet with the police, take another polygraph test and do whatever he can to clear his name.

After Ricci's court appearance, Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father, met with Ricci's wife and father-in-law in a private room in the courthouse.

Ricci's next appearance in this case will be Aug. 27, when the court will consider further action.



Copyright Brigham Young University 31 Jul 2002