PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island judge has given lawyers for two purported members of the Hells Angels facing criminal charges more time to convince her that she should step down from the case because of her husband’s long law enforcement career.
Superior Court Judge Kristin Rodgers on Wednesday gave Joseph Lancia, 28, the alleged president of the state chapter of the motorcycle club, and Lance Imor, 55, until June 19 to supplement arguments that she should step aside due to the appearance of bias or impropriety, The Providence Journal reported.
Prosecutors will have until June 26 to object.
Imor’s attorney, Jason Dixon-Acosta and Lancia’s lawyer, Joseph Voccola, argued that Rodgers should recuse herself because her husband played a role in a 2004 raid at the Hells Angels’ clubhouse when he was with the state police. Rodgers is married to Scott Raynes, who retired from the state police in 2018 and is now Little Compton’s police chief.
“He was there. That has no bearing on this case,” Rodgers said during the remote hearing.
Lancia, faces attempted murder and other charges in connection with a shooting near the clubhouse last year. No one was injured. Imor faces drug and other charges.
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