Judge Halts Charges of Incest Against Boy

A judge in Golden, Colo., dismissed incest charges against an 11-year-old Swiss American boy, paving the way for the youth to return to Switzerland, where his case has become a cause celebre. State Judge James Zimmerman ruled that the youth’s right to a speedy trial under the Colorado constitution had been violated and freed him without any conditions. A lawyer for the boy’s family said the youth will return to Switzerland “in short order” but wouldn’t explain further. The boy, whose name is being withheld because of his age, was accused of touching his 5-year-old sister inappropriately. His parents, who fled to Switzerland with their three other children after the arrest, said he was only trying to help his sister urinate.