SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Santa Fe judge has removed himself from a high-profile case after insulting a prosecutor.
State District Judge T. Glenn Ellington told Deputy District Attorney Jason Lidyard last month that a case "might be above your pay grade." He made the remark during a hearing on a proposed plea agreement for a Santa Fe police lieutenant.
Ellington on Wednesday said his statement was unprofessional and issued a public apology to Lidyard.
Attorney John Day, who represents the police officer, made a motion calling for Ellington to remove himself from the case. Day says other remarks by Ellington infringed on Wagner's right to an impartial trial judge.
Ellington denied the motion but handed Lidyard a notice saying he recused himself for other reasons.