Judge Suppresses Evidence Against State Representative

Evidence Suppressed Against Legislator

A Philadelphia judge suppressed evidence against Rep. Cherelle Parker, who is a Philadelphia legislator. The State prosecutor is critical of the judges decision as the DUI charge is now unwinable unless Judge Charles Hayden's decision reverses himself or his opinion is appealed.

At the request of Philadelphia District Attorney, Seth Williams, the state attorney general's office was handling the case. Deputy Attorney General Marc Costanzo was surprised that the judge ruled as he did. Apparently, the judge was concerned with the testimony of the officers testifying against the legislator. The judge said he was troubled that one officer changed her testimony, while another testified that only about half the people he's arrested for drunk driving were later found to be intoxicated.