Attorney Excused From Michelle Holden Case
PASADENA — The attorney defending the wife of Pasadena Mayor Chris Holden on charges of unlawful sex with a minor declared a conflict of interest Tuesday and was excused from the case on the first day of trial.
After a closed-door hearing, Pasadena Superior Court Judge Joseph De Vanon declared that attorney Albert De Blanc Jr. had an unspecified conflict of interest and could no longer represent Michelle E. Holden.
Supporters of the mayor’s wife said her family and her attorney had major differences over defense tactics.
The judge said the timing of the change of attorney was “less than desirable,” but he reset the case for Jan. 21. He said, however, that he expects a further delay now that Holden must find a new attorney.
De Vanon delayed a decision on whether Court TV will be allowed to videotape the trial until a new attorney is named.
Michelle Holden has pleaded not guilty to six felony counts of unlawful sex with a minor and two misdemeanor counts of annoying and molesting a minor.
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