From: The Berkeley Scanner, 10/13/2023
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Synopsis:
Judge Scott Patton dismissed an attempted bribery charge leveled by the Alameda County District Attorney against OPD Detective Phong Tran, explaining that he found insufficient legal grounds for the allegation. Felony bribery charges require an element of "corrupt intent" to stand in court.
The attempted bribery charge related to a 2011 murder case the detective was investigating. The prosecution alleged that Tran pressured a witness to change her testimony by offering to help the witness's son out of a legal problem.
The defense explained there was no corrupt intent, and that witnesses are often reluctant to provide testimony. Felony bribery charges require an element of "corrupt intent" to stand in court.
Judge Patton seemed to agree, arguing he didn't understand the corrupt intent behind a detective just trying to solve a murder, and dismissed the felony bribery charge against Tran.
RLS attorney Andrew Ganz represents Tran. Ganz commented that there is no basis for the charges, and Phong Tran is eager to clear his name.
