Judge won't dismiss Polanski case, for now
LOS ANGELES — A judge has refused to dismiss a sex case against film director Roman Polanski because he's a fugitive, but says that if Polanski returns he would reconsider on grounds of judicial misconduct.
Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza said Tuesday that after watching a documentary on the case he agrees there was misconduct by the now-deceased judge who arranged a plea bargain but reneged on it.
Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl but fled to France after the judge threatened him with more prison time than agreed upon. That judge also said Polanski would have to voluntarily deport himself.
Espinoza has stayed his own decision on refusal to dismiss until a May 7 hearing.
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