PUEBLO — The Pueblo county district attorney and his chief prosecutor face contempt-of-court charges after the prosecutor missed a court date that led to the release of a domestic-violence suspect.
District Attorney Bill Thiebaut and his chief trial deputy, Cathy Mullins, were ordered to appear in court March 3 and give a written explanation for Mullins’ absence from a preliminary hearing Friday, District Judge Victor Reyes ruled.
After the missed hearing, Reyes dismissed charges against Diego Ocanas, 32. He faced domestic-violence charges, menacing with a deadly weapon, harassment, criminal mischief and being a habitual offender. Ocanas was re-arrested Sunday after the original victim in the case told police he broke into her house.
Thiebaut said Mullins’ absence was not done “with the intent to disrespect the court.” He said Mullins had filed a motion the day before the hearing seeking a postponement because a police officer couldn’t attend to testify.
The Associated Press
