WHECTV
Updated: February 22, 2021 05:42 PM
Created: February 22, 2021 06:51 AM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The attorney for Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has asked for all charges related to allegations of campaign finance violations to be dropped.
During a virtual court appearance Monday, Joseph Damelio asked Judge Thomas Leone to dismiss the case against his client based on "unique circumstances." He cited the death of Daniel Prude, protests and riots in the city, and the resignations of several top leaders in the Rochester Police Department.
Warren is charged with scheming to defraud and breaking election law. Investigators say she illegally used a Political Action Committee to boost her campaign fundraising during the 2017 race.
The other defendants, Rosalind Brooks-Harris, the Treasurer of the PAC at the time, and Albert Jones Jr., who was the Treasurer of the Campaign Finance Committee for that election, are facing the same charges.
All three appeared in court as scheduled.
Warren’s Attorney Joseph DeMillio asked court to dismiss case against his client based on unique circumstances. He cited the death of Daniel Prude, protests and riots in the City, and the resignation of Police top brass.
— Patrick Moussignac (@WHEC_Moussignac) February 22, 2021
Judge Leone ruled prosecutors will have two weeks to prove Warren, Brooks-Harris and Jones's alleged misconduct.
A judge denied a previous request for a change of venue in the case.
Judge Leone is also giving prosecutors 2 weeks to show Warren, and her co-defendants alleged misconduct in this case.
— Patrick Moussignac (@WHEC_Moussignac) February 22, 2021
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