Prosecutors faced a setback in the legal proceedings against a Newport Beach hand surgeon, Dr. Grant Robicheaux, and his girlfriend, Cerissa Riley, as an Orange County Superior Court judge granted a motion to dismiss charges accusing them of drugging a woman. However, Judge Michael Leversen allowed prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Office 10 days to refile the charges. Prosecutors have stated their intention to do so. Leversen dismissed the felony charges of poisoning and sale of phencyclidine against Robicheaux and Riley, as well as the felony charge of sale or transport of cocaine against Riley. However, Robicheaux still faces four misdemeanor charges of possession of controlled substances and two felony counts of possession of an assault weapon. As a result of the judge’s decision, Riley no longer faces any charges.
The judge’s action, known as a demurrer, is a legal maneuver to dismiss charges based on insufficient factual support for the allegations. This comes after Leversen previously dismissed charges following a preliminary hearing on July 7, where the pair were accused of drugging and assaulting two women.
The next court hearing is scheduled for September 25. The case garnered attention when it was initially filed, with then-Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas highlighting allegations that Robicheaux, a reality TV personality, and Riley would lure women they met at Newport Beach bars, drug their drinks, and sexually assault them. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, who succeeded Rackauckas, criticized his predecessor’s handling of the case and sought to drop it. However, objections from one of the alleged victims prevented the dismissal, and eventually, Spitzer’s office was removed from the case. The Attorney General’s Office took over and reduced the number of accusers from 13 to two.
The case has faced numerous challenges, including judges recusing themselves due to potential conflicts of interest, questions regarding the temperament of a judge overseeing the case, and the unfortunate passing of another judge. Deputy Attorney General Namita Patel mentioned the possibility of a settlement being discussed between prosecutors and defense attorneys during the recent court hearing.
Overall, the legal proceedings against Dr. Grant Robicheaux and Cerissa Riley continue to unfold with various twists and turns, shaping the outcome of the case.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
