When attorney who worked with her former firm became involved in Lonzie Barton disappearance case, Judge Marianne Aho stepped down due to conflict of interest.
The judge who was hearing the case of William “Ruben” Ebron, the man accused in the disappearance of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton, has stepped down.
Judge Marianne Aho announced on Monday that she will step down due to a
conflict of interest. She said an attorney who moved to intervene used to work with her former law firm.
Attorney Ed Birk, who moved in to intervene on behalf of a gag order against the local media outlets, used to work with Aho’s former law firm.
Aho is asking Chief Judge Mark Mahon to assign another judge to the case going forward.
Ruben Ebron faces two counts of child neglect and one count of giving false info to police. However, more charges were added when the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said they uncovered an escape plot.
Lonzie disappeared in July and hasn’t been seen since.
A tentative hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.
Originally posted by Larry Spruill on ActionNewsJax.com.
Conflict of Interest Representation – Ball & Evans & Ball & Evans Trial Attorney – Los Angeles
