By Emerson Drake
6/1/11
Judge Ricardo Cordova announced he will be Kari Abbey's judge through to her trial. Modesto Attorney Harry Stern was the lawyer of record today, but he announced that Mike Raines will be doing the majority of her legal work.
The small courtroom was packed with fifty-eight people watching the proceedings including Luis Elias, Rita's father and Pamela Elias, her sister. Judge Cordova told both attorneys he remembered working in the same department where Kari Abbey was an investigator approximately ten years ago. He said because of the extreme time span he would not consider it grounds to recuse himself and both attorneys agreed.
A 977 waiver was filed unapposed, allowing Abbey not to appear at subsequent hearings. The waiver was filed by her attorney, saying he had concerns for her safety.
D.A. Dave Harris reminded the court that a request for a bail review has been filed and asked that the subject be revisited June 30th at 8:30AM, the same date that Judge Cordova agreed upon for the next step in the proceedings.
There were about six sign carring protestors outside including Miguel Dinoso chanting "Justice for Rita".
Abbey appeared unconcerned when she was led to a waiting car. She even turned and winked to the spectators watching her leave.
