Court dismisses child porn case against SW Mo. judge over delays

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A federal judge in Springfield has dismissed a child pornography case against a former Douglas County judge over repeated delays by U.S. prosecutors.

The court ruled Tuesday that the delays violated the defendant's right to a speedy trial.

Former district judge Roger Wall of Ava had faced charges of owning videotapes of child pornography in a case that started in 2005.

Wall had pleaded not guilty. He resigned as a judge in February 2005 and now practices law in Douglas County.

Wall's lawyers welcomed the dismissal.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office said he could not comment on the specifics of the court's decision.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com