Maryland Man Back in Custody After Controversial Release
posted 7:01 pm Tue August 07, 2007 - Rockville, MD
The judge dropped the charges, ruling lengthy pretrial delays in finding a translator violated Kanneh's right to a speedy trial. Prosecutors are appealing the judge's order. They dispute the judges finding, saying there was a translator present the day the judge dismissed the charges against Kenneh. Prosecutors also point out at least three translators worked on the case.
The State's Attorney's Office also disputes that Kanneh even needed a translator. Kanneh's neighbor, Jeremy Brown, says he was surprised Kanneh said he needed a translator.
"On a scale of one to ten of English proficiency," Brown asked rhetorically. "Maybe a seven or eight."
Under the law, prosecutors cannot refile charges against Kanneh, so they're only hope of taking the case to trial is if the judge's ruling to dismiss is overturned on appeal.
The state's attorney's office has filed the appeal, but no decision has been made.
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