Trooper Ryan Londregan walks with his wife to his first court appearance. (Star Tribune via AP)
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is again raising questions when it comes to how Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is going about prosecuting Minnesota State trooper Ryan Londregan.
Londregan, charged with second degree murder for shooting and killing Rick Cobb II during a traffic stop last summer, appeared in court Monday morning where Hennepin County Judge Tamara Garcia denied a motion to dismiss criminal charges.
On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Board approved Moriarty’s request to hire outside attorneys using the office’s budget. Four former federal prosecutors are now tasked with Londregan’s prosecution.
“A request could have been made to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for help,” Walz said. “A request could have been made to Ramsey County for help. A request could have been made to anyone. That is a normal procedure, to ask. Those requests were not made.”
Moriarty told the board on Tuesday that her office’s adult prosecution division is about 10 attorneys short and using her attorneys on Londregan’s case would hurt their ability to prosecute other violent crimes in Hennepin County.
“It seems to me, a well-funded and robust office like the Hennepin County D-A should be able to handle this case,” added Walz.
Londregan’s case has gained widespread attention. Hundreds of people supporting Londregan made their voices heard at the Hennepin County Courthouse on Monday.
They were confronted by Cobb’s family and supporters following the hearing.
“I want to thank all of these people for showing up,” Londregan’s attorney, Chris Madel said. “They’re showing that the rule of law matters more than what this sort of nonsense matters.”
As for consulting Ellison’s office, Moriarty told the Hennepin County Board the Attorney General’s Office would face a conflict of interest taking over the case because his office represents the state in a federal lawsuit filed by Cobb’s family, alleging his civil rights were violated.
“We’re watching this really carefully,” Walz said. “I don’t think this was a positive development.”
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