Utah judge dismisses charges against ritual abuse suspect

A judge in Utah has dismissed charges against a central suspect in a "ritual" sex abuse case due to significant prosecutorial errors. The decision came after Fourth District Judge Roger Griffin found that police and prosecutors had failed to share important evidence that could have helped David Hamblin, a former therapist accused of abusing a neighborhood girl in the 1980s. The six felony sex abuse charges against Hamblin were dismissed "with prejudice," meaning they cannot be brought back to court. This is an unusual step for a judge, as they typically allow charges to be re-filed. However, Judge Griffin noted the extensive failures in the prosecution's handling of the case and concluded that Hamblin could not receive a fair trial. Key evidence that was withheld included a police report from a 2022 interview with the alleged victim. This report contained detailed claims of sexual abuse linked to a "satanic ritual." The failure to provide this document allowed new evidence to emerge, which raised doubts about the credibility of the accusations against Hamblin. The judge emphasized that the withholding of this evidence was not just a minor issue but a major concern in ensuring a fair trial. Despite the dismissal of these charges, Hamblin still faces six counts of child sex abuse in a separate case involving a young patient. Additionally, his ex-wife, Roselle Stevenson, has been charged related to the same allegations. The legal challenges have been complicated by the changing prosecutors and claims of political motivations behind the case.