My office has re-examined the Shane Gates case and found there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the outstanding misdemeanor DWI and resisting arrest charges. Mr. Gates failed to appear in court more than 18 months ago, and a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. However, my office has notified Mr. Gates through his legal representative that we will not seek pre-trial detention if he turns himself in by the end of July 2015.
Mr. Gates was arrested Nov. 16, 2006, on a felony charge of aggravated flight from a police officer and a misdemeanor DWI charge. He was later charged with resisting arrest, which also is a misdemeanor. On July 27, 2012, Mr. Gates was found not guilty of aggravated flight from a police officer. He was ordered to appear in court more than 18 months ago on the misdemeanor charges but failed to appear. A District Court judge issued a warrant for his arrest.
In recent months, members of my staff and I have met with Attorney Martin E. Regan, Jr., who requested that we decline prosecution of Mr. Gates on the misdemeanor charges.
Mr. Gates received a fair trial previously on the felony charge and was found not guilty. I urge him to present himself to the court so that the judicial process can resolve the outstanding misdemeanor charges and end this dispute.