From: Contra Costa Times
By Malaika Fraley, 07/12/13
Citing insufficient evidence to go to trial, a Contra Costa County judge has dismissed the criminal case against a Concord police officer who was charged last year with domestic violence, attorneys say.
San Ramon resident Ameet Patel was charged with battery upon his live-in girlfriend and false imprisonment by force following an incident at his San Ramon residence in February 2012. Judge Mary Ann O’Malley dismissed the charges at a June preliminary hearing.
“The judge had a different opinion about the evidence than the DA’s Office,” said Patel’s prosecutor, deputy district attorney Scott Cunnae.
Patel was a patrol officer for three years before his arrest. Defense attorney Harry Stern said that now that the case has been dismissed, he is working to get Patel back to work and off paid administrative leave at the Concord Police Department.
“Obviously, I was pleased with the outcome, and I look forward to shepherding Ameet through the administrative process and his eventual return to full duty,” Stern said. “This case was a series of unfortunate misunderstandings from the onset.”
