"I don't think I've ever been involved in a litigation where people have been so vindictive," he said. "What does (Yocom's threat) have to do with anything?"

Skordas disputes Martinez's contention that he, Martinez, has no criminal cases pending as a defense attorney, citing a case in West Jordan that is headed for the Utah Supreme Court. Martinez says the matter is substantially over, only awaiting a judge's signature.

Skordas also challenges Martinez's refusal to agree to waiver of a preliminary hearing.

"The special deputy district attorney's refusal to consent to Mayor Workman's waiver of a preliminary hearing absent a confession of wrongdoing is not only unprecedented but clearly demonstrates bad-faith prosecution . . . ," Skordas writes. "(At a recent hearing) the court expressed its concern that these proceedings not become a 'circus.' Mayor Workman submits that these proceedings already have become a circus and the only way (to) collapse the big top is to dismiss the criminal information without prejudice so that the case may be handled in a truly independent (manner) by a truly independent office."

A hearing on the motion to dismiss and Martinez's motion for a gag order is scheduled for Thursday.

---

E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com