Judge in Brock Turner case removed from new sexual assault case

The judge facing backlash over what many saw as too lenient a sentence in the sexual assault case of a former Stanford University swimmer has been removed from another sexual assault case, NBC reported.

The Santa Clara District Attorney’s office requested that the judge, Aaron Persky, be disqualified from the case, which involved a male nurse who allegedly sexually assaulted a female patient while she was sedated.

{mosads}Persky was disqualified by the administrative judge following the DA’s request. Persky ruled in the case of Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer who was sentenced to six months in county jail and three years probation for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman.

The case drew national attention, with many saying Turner came out with too lenient a sentence. The victim read a letter during Turner’s sentencing that described the “severe impact” the assault had on her. 

Persky’s first case since the Turner sentencing was a mail theft stolen property case. The judge dismissed the misdemeanor theft trial before it reached the jury. He was reportedly taken off the sexual assault case just a day after dismissing the case.

“We are disappointed and puzzled at Judge Persky’s unusual decision to unilaterally dismiss a case before the jury could deliberate,” the Santa Clara DA’s office said in a statement.

“After this and the recent turn of events, we lack confidence that Judge Persky can fairly participate in this upcoming hearing in which a male nurse sexually assaulted an anesthetized female patient. This is a rare and carefully considered step for our Office. In the future, we will evaluate each case on its own merits and decide if we should use our legal right to ask for another judge in order to protect public safety and pursue justice.”