SMITHVILLE – A man accused of a violent sex crime will have his case presented before a judge this afternoon instead of a jury.

Stanley R. Whitman, 50, of Smithville Flats, has waived his right to a jury trial in favor of having his fate decided by Supreme Court Judge Kevin M. Dowd. The trail began at 9:30 a.m. today.

Whitman was indicted on first degree rape and other charges for allegedly attacking a 48-year-old victim in a parking lot in Smithville and forcing her to have sex with him.