By Amber McIver-Traywick

The Surveyor

The trial of Benjamin Macaluso, accused of three counts of sexual assault on a child, has been continued due to a family emergency on the defense attorney’s behalf.

The five-day trial was scheduled to begin Monday morning, May 20, and conclude Friday, May 24.

Larimer County District Attorney’s office representative, Jodi Lacey, said a hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, to set a new trail date.

On April 24, 2018, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigators arrested Macaluso, who posted a $1750 bond and was released. On Dec. 10 of last year Macaluso pleaded not guilty to allegations of sexual assault on a child as well as two counts of sexual assault on a child in a position of trust between the ages of 15 and 18, all class 4 felonies.

The allegations stem from an incident court documents allege took place on Sept. 1, 2009, when Macaluso owned a photography studio called BellaClaire Studios, located on Mountain Avenue in Berthoud. The business at that location closed in 2013, but in a press release sent out by LCSO it was indicated he may have relocated the business to his private residence in Berthoud for a period of time. The LCSO, in a statement, urged anyone who may have been victimized or may have information to contact the office.