After calling out the prosecution for questionable practices, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Rex Burlison went ahead denied a request to dismiss the felony invasion of privacy case against Governor Greitens.
Read Metro Voice’s Commentary on Greitens before he was elected
The governor’s legal team accused the prosecutor of withholding evidence. A technical glitch was originally blamed for a videotaped interview with the alleged victim not being submitted for evidence. The videotape resurfaced shortly after a House committee investigating Greitens released a report detailing the woman’s testimony.
Burlison says the conduct by the prosecuting attorney is serious but does not cause irreversible prejudice to Greitens. The judge will let the defense take new depositions.
Burlison scolded the prosecution. He says wrongdoing that has occurred is sanctionable through options including re-deposing witnesses and monetary fines. If Burlison finds any other possible violations, he says he will reconsider dismissing the case.
Greitens has been accused of sexual manipulation, violence, taking a graphic photo of his ex-mistress without her permission and blackmailing her in 2015. The governor has admitted to infidelity but denies any criminal allegations.
His trial is scheduled to begin May 14.
