From Deseret News archives:
Prosecutor named in Workman case
Mayor is upset over Oct. 4 hearing date
A newly appointed special prosecutor will not permit the mayor to waive her right to the hearing, even though such hearings were conceived for the benefit of defendants, not prosecutors.
Workman wanted to skip the hearing and head directly to trial so her case of alleged misuse of public money could be decided before the Nov. 2 general election.
Earlier Tuesday, special prosecutor Michael Martinez said he would not object to Workman waiving her right to a preliminary hearing. But he reversed his position in court Tuesday afternoon.
Workman attorney Greg Skordas objected to having a special prosecutor and asked the court to let Workman waive her right to a preliminary hearing. That was denied by 3rd District Judge Robert Hilder.
Hilder, however, closely questioned lawyers for both sides and, after hearing a brisk give-and-take, had them leave court for about 45 minutes to confer about possible preliminary hearing dates. All parties agreed on Oct. 4.
"You're telling me we're having trouble scheduling a preliminary hearing because the DA wants an apology?" Hilder asked.
Martinez quickly retreated, saying, "I will work with them as much as I can."
Martinez also asked the judge for a gag order, which was denied.
Outside the courtroom, Workman made brief remarks to reporters.
"I think the judge is doing what he can and these guys (her lawyers) are working like crazy to get things done," she said. "I'm still hopeful we can get this done (before the election). I think the citizens need to know what's going on."
Yocom had announced Martinez's appointment Tuesday morning at a press conference, at which Martinez said he saw no need to try the case before Election Day.
"I don't see that this case is that big of a deal . . . ," said Martinez, a former prosecutor, former Deseret Morning News columnist and community activist who is currently in private practice. "It's just like any other felony case."
As a newspaper columnist, Martinez has expressed opinions that have been less than flattering to Workman.
Comments
- Stocks edge higher 2:55 p.m.
- Potential devastation in Centerville? 2:53 p.m.
- H1N1 vaccine offered 2:40 p.m.
- Actors give all in bad 'Transylmania' 2:38 p.m.
- 'Armored' absurd, predictable 2:38 p.m.
- Utah court rules against coal plant 2:27 p.m.
- Iran cracks down on dissent 2:15 p.m.
- Irish folk pioneer Liam Clancy dies 2:07 p.m.
- Poe's 1st book sells for $662K 2:05 p.m.
- Santa to visit Gateway museum 1:59 p.m.
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- 5A high school football All-State
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- Expert paid $500K for Mitchell report
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
407 - Max Hall issues apology
393 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
362 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
290 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
229 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
188 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
178 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
177
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Zions Bank has a free online holiday gift planner that's creating some...
U.S. landmines have not cause non-combatant deaths for decades. One reason...
@Sh@: CJ has steadily been improving. Jerry didn't give him a chance until...
First of congrats to all of the all staters. however, i need some help...
If Dr. Welner gets paid $500,000, Mitchell is not the only one good at...
Let me be the first to say...GOOD RIDDANCE Matt Harpring! I no longer have...
DemocratsPacifist? | 12:20 p.m. There are a LOT of Democrats who are...
Has anyone here read the talk by Elder Oaks called "Free Agency and Freedom."...
Don't know who's in, but Bob Bennett is out. We already know that his wife...
Even still the global warning freaks have there claws into people and even...
I was asking rhetorically the question about Jones Hogan and Miller. Point is...




You can be the first to comment on this story.