Legal Ethics

Fed'l Judge Dismisses Big Drug Case, Calls DOJ Misconduct Issue Moot

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Perhaps seeing the handwriting on the wall, the U.S. Department of Justice asked a federal judge to dismiss a major drug case with prejudice, and the judge has agreed.

Friday’s dismissal with prejudice of a conspiracy case against Zhenli Ye Gon is expected to send the defendant to Mexico to face trial in a case involving organized crime, drug and firearm allegations, reports the Blog of Legal Times.

It also ends an ongoing inquiry by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan into whether the DOJ violated its ethical obligation to provide exculpatory evidence to the defense in a timely manner, the BLT reports: “Conclusion means conclusion. All matters in the case are resolved,” the judge said. “I applaud the government’s position for being in line with the administration of justice.”

A native of China, Ye Gon moved to Mexico in 1990. He is accused of having made a fortune by importing methamphetamine ingredients from China and selling them in the black market in Mexico, the law blog recounts.

Earlier coverage:

ABAJournal.com: “Dismiss Ye Gon Case Due to DOJ ‘Systemic Failure,’ Defender Agencies Urge Judge”

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