Those challenging an Oxnard gang injunction have identified
hundreds of potential witnesses for a trial set to begin by
the end of February.
Chief Deputy Public Defender Neil Quinn, representing two of
the people challenging the injunction, submitted a list of
about 250 names at a hearing Monday after one of his clients
waived his Fifth Amendment right to not testify against
himself. By doing so, Gabriel Acosta, an alleged gang member,
will be allowed to present evidence and could be called to
testify.
Deputy District Attorney Karen Wold, leading the injunction
effort, said the public defender's list of witnesses could
dictate the length of the trial. She said she is prepared to
increase her own witnesses list if such a move is warranted
by the evidence presented by challengers.
As it stood Monday, the trial was expected to begin by Feb.
25. Judge Frederick Bysshe, who approved a temporary
injunction against the Colonia Chiques gang in June, will
review the evidence in the case and determine whether to make
it permanent.
The temporary injunction covers a 6.6-square-mile area in
Oxnard called a "safety zone." The injunction prohibits about
60 people served with the injunction from staying out after
10 p.m., associating with known gang members and other
related activities.
Prosecutors seeking a permanent injunction say it is needed
to protect a neighborhood plagued by gang activity. Opponents
argue the court order is too broad and infringes on civil
liberties.
Outside court Monday, Quinn said he did not plan to call
Acosta to the stand during the trial, nor would he call
hundreds of witnesses to testify. Quinn said he hoped the
court would accept declarations from the witnesses -- the
list includes teachers and residents -- to save time but
provide Bysshe with the "whole picture."
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Witnesses identified for injunction trial
By Jessica Keating, jkeating@ VenturaCountyStar.com
January 25, 2005
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