Judge drops charges against Maestas's gay bashers on technicality
I've been following the James Maestas gay bashing story in New Mexico rather closely and all was going rather well - until now. District Court Judge Michael Vigil has dismissed the charges against Johnny Valdez and Paul Montoya because prosecutors failed to notify them that they were targets 10 days before the grand jury that indicted them met, as legally required. On an "all is not lost" note, prosecutors are going to be able to present the evidence against the two defendants who didn't accept plea bargains again, only the judge wants to decide if probable cause exists to charge them. Prosecutors mailed them their notice on March 1 rather than serving them personally with the grand jury meeting set for March 10. (Thanks Vilma)
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