thedrifter
03-28-03, 12:02 PM
Mar 28, 12:53 PM EST
Prosecutor Fired Over Undercover Flap
By LESLIE HOFFMAN
Associated Press Writer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- The district attorney fired a prosecutor accused of deliberately blowing the cover of two plainclothes officers at an anti-war rally.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Albright was dismissed Thursday after her boss said she betrayed the trust of local police and could no longer serve as an effective prosecutor.
"We have to work so closely with law enforcement in the preparation and prosecution of cases and, if there isn't that trust or confidence, we simply can't be effective," Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg said Friday. "I just didn't see how she could remain an effective prosecutor.
Albright attended the Sunday anti-war rally near downtown Albuquerque, which drew 300 protesters. Police, who had worked with her on criminal cases in the past, say she recognized at least two undercover officers and pointed them out - both verbally and with gestures - to fellow protesters.
With their cover apparently blown, the officers had to leave the rally for safety reasons, according to a police report.
Albright did not deliberately point out the officers and did nothing wrong, said her attorney, John Boyd. He said she is entitled to a hearing and that "just because she is an at-will employee of the district attorney's office does not mean she can be fired under these circumstances."
Albright joined the district attorney's office about a year ago. She was out of town and could not be reached for comment Friday.
Sempers,
Roger
Prosecutor Fired Over Undercover Flap
By LESLIE HOFFMAN
Associated Press Writer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- The district attorney fired a prosecutor accused of deliberately blowing the cover of two plainclothes officers at an anti-war rally.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Albright was dismissed Thursday after her boss said she betrayed the trust of local police and could no longer serve as an effective prosecutor.
"We have to work so closely with law enforcement in the preparation and prosecution of cases and, if there isn't that trust or confidence, we simply can't be effective," Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg said Friday. "I just didn't see how she could remain an effective prosecutor.
Albright attended the Sunday anti-war rally near downtown Albuquerque, which drew 300 protesters. Police, who had worked with her on criminal cases in the past, say she recognized at least two undercover officers and pointed them out - both verbally and with gestures - to fellow protesters.
With their cover apparently blown, the officers had to leave the rally for safety reasons, according to a police report.
Albright did not deliberately point out the officers and did nothing wrong, said her attorney, John Boyd. He said she is entitled to a hearing and that "just because she is an at-will employee of the district attorney's office does not mean she can be fired under these circumstances."
Albright joined the district attorney's office about a year ago. She was out of town and could not be reached for comment Friday.
Sempers,
Roger