THE Superior Court has denied the government’s motion to add three additional charges against a man who, along with a co-defendant, was accused of robbing a garment factory worker.
Associate Judge Juan T. Lizama ruled that if the government files additional charges, defendant Cornielle Church may be forced to conduct more discovery and incur additional expenses.
Lizama said postponing the trial could “implicate” Church’s right to a speedy trial.
The judge said adding three additional counts of accessory may also potentially impair the defendant’s substantial rights in preparation of his defense.
Lizama said Church is already charged as a “principal” for robbery, conspiracy, assault and battery, theft, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest and reckless driving.
Church and T-Knight Sanders Sasao were charged for robbing a garment worker in San Antonio last year.
Sasao entered a plea agreement with the government represented by Assistant Attorney General Barry A. Hirshbein. Last month, Sasao was sentenced to two years and six months in jail.
According to court documents, Sasao and Church conspired in robbing a woman of her purse containing cash and other personal effects worth less than $250. This happened on Sept. 5, 2001, documents said.
The garment factory worker was robbed while she was on Beach Road, on her way to work.
The suspects managed to escape during a chase conducted by the police. The police officers, however, were able to get the license plate of the get-away vehicle.
