The judge who sentenced Brock Turner to a mere six months in prison for three counts of sexual assault has been removed from a new case involving sexual assault, reports NBC News.
Prosecutors in California used a procedure that often comes into use when a judge’s impartiality is under question. But, according to the district attorney, the move came amid concerns over a recent stolen mail case.
Persky was removed from the new sex assault case after on Monday he dismissed a misdemeanor stolen mail case mid-trial, prosecutors said.
"We are disappointed and puzzled at Judge Persky's unusual decision to unilaterally dismiss a case before the jury could deliberate," Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement.
"After this and the recent turn of events, we lack confidence that Judge Persky can fairly participate in this upcoming hearing in which a male nurse sexually assaulted an anesthetized female patient," Rosen said.
On June 9, documents from the Santa Clara County Department of Corrections revealed that Brock Turner would serve only half of his sentence before being released.
Due to the judge's sentencing in the Turner case, there is currently an effort underway to have Persky removed from the bench altogether.
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!