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Trial in forgery case dismissed
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Posted on May 26 2004
Prospective jurors were sent home early yesterday morning after prosecutors in the trial of a man allegedly involved in a forgery case pushed for the lawsuit’s dismissal due to the need for further investigation on the case.
Superior Court associate judge Kenneth Govendo agreed with the prosecutor’s motion and dismissed the case without prejudice, leaving open the opportunity for the charges to be re-filed at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Eric O’Malley said the motion for the dismissal was made to allow for further investigation, especially with the introduction of a new witness without a prior notice.
He said that proceeding with the trial “would not be in the best interest of justice at this time.”
O’Malley said that further investigation regarding the new witness and the review of new evidence could result in an acquittal or additional charges against the defendant.
Govendo explained to the would-be jurors that they should not feel as if their time was wasted and that this was part of the process.
Defense attorney Robert Torres refused to comment, saying only that he did not want to discuss the details of the case because it is still open.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant and his associate were involved in a scheme to defraud an immigrant worker, and carried out the ploy with the aid of an altered labor form.
The lawsuit was filed against Munir Hossain and Jahangir Miah.
