Conspiracy Count Against Buckey Will Be Dropped
A single count of conspiracy will be dropped against Manhattan Beach McMartin Pre-School defendant Ray Buckey, prosecutors said Wednesday, adding that they expect to proceed on the remaining 12 counts against him, with testimony from five children.
“We do not intend to proceed with the conspiracy count, which will shorten the trial considerably and strengthen our case,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Joe Martinez told reporters after a 90-minute closed-door meeting with defense attorney Danny Davis and the new judge assigned to the trial, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stanley Weisberg.
Buckey, 31, and his mother, Peggy McMartin Buckey, were acquitted in January of 53 child molestation charges involving the now-defunct school. Jurors deadlocked on 13 other counts against Buckey and a new trial was ordered. Prosecutors have until Tuesday to file their amended complaint, and the trial is expected to begin Wednesday on schedule.
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