WEST UNION — Judge Bradley Harris this month assumed responsibility for a criminal case involving a former officer with the Iowa State Patrol.

Mikel Yauk, 37, of Fayette, is accused of breaking into a woman’s home and performing a sex act on a sleeping woman. He pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree burglary and possession of a burglary tool.

Yauk initially was suspended from duty. He reportedly resigned about a month ago from the Iowa State Patrol.

Thomas Bower, chief judge of the 1st Judicial District, in November assigned himself to Yauk’s case.

However, Gov. Terry Branstad on Dec. 8 appointed Judge Bower to the Iowa Court of Appeals. Bower fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Appeals Chief Judge Rosemary Shaw Sackett.

One of Harris’ first orders of business will be to decide whether cameras will be allowed at Yauk’s trial. Nancy Newhoff, media coordinator for the 1st Judicial District and editor of the Courier, filed a request for expanded media coverage.

Yauk’s defense attorney, Heather Prendergast of Waterloo, however, objects and filed a motion to limit television, still cameras and audio recording devices in the courtroom. Newhoff filed a resistance to Prendergast’s motion.

Yauk’s trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 15.