Shasta County District Attorney points to ongoing court delays due to judge shortage

REDDING, Calif. — The Shasta County District Attorney’s Office said reopened cases remain a problem due to a shortage of available judges.

Shasta County Superior Court was forced to dismiss more cases because the statute of limitations had run out. The District Attorney’s Office says it is taking every precaution possible to protect the public by reopening these dismissed cases. Three cases were dismissed in mid-October because of a lack of judges to hear criminal jury cases, officials said.

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One of these cases, Michael Johnson, was dismissed outright and could not be reopened because the case had previously been dismissed by the court for deficiency. A lawsuit was filed against Johnson Drug possession for sale and delivery of a controlled substance following traffic stop by Anderson police in 2022.

The District Attorney’s Office also stated that the judge issue caused the court to dismiss the case against him. Gregory the Wise. He was accused of robbing a bank in December 2023. They say the last day for his case to go to trial is Oct. 21, but the case was immediately refiled and a new plea order was set for Wednesday.

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Similarly, they said the case against Ang Souvanna Pha Vong was dismissed because there was no judge in court to hear the jury trial. The defendant was charged with recklessly causing a fire in March 2023. The District Attorney’s Office refiled and the case was prepared for defense decision Wednesday.

The DA’s office says it is working with the court to find solutions, but more resources are needed for everyone involved in the criminal justice system.