DA Says Budget Cuts To Blame For Release Of Rape Suspect
The Dallas County DA says budget cuts are to blame for the release of a rape and kidnap suspect.
District Attorney Craig Watkins had ordered Ezekiel Moreno held without bail but the paperwork didn't get to the judge in time for the bond hearing. He says the paperwork needed has to be hand delivered to the judge because they don't have the technology available at the jail to do it electronically.
Watkins tells KRLD there used to be a DA on staff at Lew Sterrett for background checks and bond recommendations, but funding for that program was cut.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price says Watkins is mistaken in playing the budget-card in the release of an accused sexual predator and kidnapper. Price says Watkins is just making excuses.
Moreno is accused of raping a Dallas teenager then having her and her mother kidnapped to keep the girl from testifying. The girl says with Moreno free, she's afraid for her life.
Weekly Economic Update - 02/08/10
The debt troubles in the Eurozone and the uncertainty permeating OPEC's membership provide plenty to talk about for Charley's chat with Mike in East Texas this week. Also, 50 years of economic history in 90 seconds!
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