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Questioner asks whether governor's public criticisms could affect fair trial in Missy Mogul case; governor says he stands by comments
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Summary
During the event a reporter asked whether the governor's public criticisms of a judge could prejudice a defendant's right to a fair trial in the Missy Mogul case; the governor said he was not concerned and defended his calls for accountability after the judge released a convicted individual prior to sentencing.
A questioner at the Cabinet event asked whether the governor had any concern that his public criticism of a judge could affect a defendant's right to a fair trial in the Missy Mogul case. "Do you have any concern that your comments could affect how this case plays out in court?" the questioner asked.
The governor replied he did not. "No. I mean, the reality is what we have criticized is the fact that he was released after he was convicted ... He should have been remanded to custody," the governor said, arguing the decision to release the individual contributed to the death of the five‑year‑old victim and that the criticism was a call for accountability, not an attempt to prejudice the proceedings.
The governor framed his comments as rooted in a desire for public safety and accountability: "When you've been involved in law enforcement ... these offenders, they reoffend. And when you get them and you convict them, you need to incarcerate them." He said he stood by everything he had said and called for an investigation into how the breakdown occurred.
No court filings or formal legal developments were read into the record at the event, and the questioner noted the defense had argued public criticism could affect a client's right to a fair trial. The governor did not describe any intended legal actions or steps beyond his public statements and requests for accountability.
