Placer County Superior Court Judge Larry Gaddis yesterday denied local prosecutors’ request for a gag order in criminal proceedings against Alexander Piggee, the 23-year-old Stockton man suspected of arson in the Roseville Galleria fire two months ago.
The effect of the denial is that lawyers, police and potential witnesses are free to speak publicly about the case, if they wish. Also, the city of Roseville will have to disclose the fire department’s “after action” report concerning police and fire department responses to the mall fire. Some in the press have speculated that the report may be critical of various agencies’ decisions in responding to, and putting out, the fire.
The gag order had been opposed by the Sacramento Bee, which filed a formal opposition to the DA’s request and also participated in yesterday’s hearing.
See this news item at Recordnet.com.
2 Comments
American Justice System works here and holds freedom of speech as sacrosanct !
Judge Larry Gaddis thank you.
I knew there was something up, it didn’t make sense, and this proves it.
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