A trial in a Franklin County courtroom suddenly ended Tuesday when a toilet mishap involving a deputy's remote control for a stun belt resulted in intermittent shocks for the defendant.

David Wade, 40, of North Linden, was being tried in Franklin County Common Pleas Court on felony charges of promoting prostitution, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possession of drugs.

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As a security measure, he was wearing what is called a "stun belt", which can be activated by a deputy watching a defendant if they try to flee or to otherwise gain control.

The deputy assigned to Wade answered nature's call and accidentally dropped the control device into the toilet, said Marc Gofstein, spokesman for the Franklin County Sheriff's office.

Nothing happened immediately, but when the deputy started to dry off the device, Wade's stun belt started to hit him with what Gofstein said were intermittent minor shocks.

"Once it was discovered it was over in less than a minute. They had him examined and he was cleared medically," Gofstein said.

Judge Chris M. Brown decided to declare a mistrial in Wade's case, Gofstein said.

The mistrial doesn't mean that Wade is cleared of the charges. His trial will be rescheduled for a later date.

Wade was returned to the Franklin County Jail.

jwoods@dispatch.com

@Woodsnight