Government Says Former Councilmen Do Not Deserve New Trial
By: Nina Criscuolo
Updated: February 15, 2013
Government Attorneys say an improper relationship between the prosecutor and investigator for the case against former Monroe City Councilmen Arthur Gilmore and Red Stevens does not give the pair the right to a new trial.
In a pre-hearing brief the Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook says the relationship between prosecutor Mignonne Griffing and Special Agent Bill Chesser began in the mid-nineties and intensified during recent years. However, Van Hook claims the relationship did not effect the investigation into Stevens and Gilmore or their trial.
Defense counsel also claims a witness for the FBI may have used his knowledge of the inappropriate relationship to manipulate the government, but U.S. Attorneys deny that saying the witness did not know about it at the time.
The hearing on the motion for a new trial is set for March 4, 2013 in Shreveport.
In a pre-hearing brief the Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook says the relationship between prosecutor Mignonne Griffing and Special Agent Bill Chesser began in the mid-nineties and intensified during recent years. However, Van Hook claims the relationship did not effect the investigation into Stevens and Gilmore or their trial.
Defense counsel also claims a witness for the FBI may have used his knowledge of the inappropriate relationship to manipulate the government, but U.S. Attorneys deny that saying the witness did not know about it at the time.
The hearing on the motion for a new trial is set for March 4, 2013 in Shreveport.
