An alleged Mancos pimp will not be allowed to review social services records as he prepares for a trial by jurors in January.
Public defender Katherine Whitney requested the county records in a related dependency and neglect case before District Court Judge Todd Plewe on Thursday, Oct. 23. She argued the records contained details of the alleged victim's mental state and drug use, which would serve to bolster her client's defense.
Montezuma County Attorney John Baxter said he didn't have an official position on whether the records should be provided, but requested the records remain sealed if turned over to defense.
Deputy District Attorney Sean Murray objected to the request, citing the defense had failed to prove any likelihood that the requested evidence existed.
"It's a fishing expedition," he said.
Plewe denied the request, saying the records contained private medical records of the alleged victim. He added the records didn't pertain to the pending criminal matter.
"This case has nothing to do about allegations of child abuse or neglect," said Plewe.
Christopher Collins, 34, is charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. He's accused of drugging, pimping and raping the mother of his child, age 31.
Collins remains in custody under a $100,000 bond awaiting trial. The trial is set to start Jan. 20 and is expected to last up to two weeks.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
