Judge dismisses 6 of 7 felonies against lawmaker
SUFFOLK — A judge has dismissed six of seven felony charges against Del. Rick Morris (R), finding prosecutors have enough evidence to move forward on only one count.
Media outlets reported that reporters were barred from attending Thursday’s hearing, at which Judge Robert S. Brewbaker Jr. certified to a grand jury one felony charge of cruelty and injuries to children.
Prosecutor Shukita Massey declined to pursue seven misdemeanor domestic assault charges against Morris. She didn’t comment on why the charges were dropped.
According to court documents, the 48-year-old lawmaker is accused of hitting a boy with a belt and wooden spoon, punching him and throwing a hose nozzle at him. It’s not clear which incident pertained to the remaining charge.
http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/state/judge-dismisses-of-felonies-against-lawmaker/article_9003c175-67a2-5fe1-a209-642ba2d9ae50.html
