TORRANCE, Calif. — During a Monday morning court hearing at the Torrance Courthouse, Judge Scott Millington delayed calling an accused woman’s case despite being informed of personal emergencies involving her daughter and apartment complex.
The accused, who was appearing in court on a charge of driving with a suspended or revoked license stemming from a previous driving under the influence case, later alleged that the judge had deliberately delayed her hearing because of her race.
The accused appeared in court following a motor vehicle accident that occurred after her license had been revoked due to the previous DUI case. She had been required to pay $10,000 in damages and was given six months to make the payment, an obligation she successfully fulfilled.
Additionally, the accused completed a sobriety program and driving course required by the court. She returned to court expecting her case to be dismissed after completing those requirements.
While waiting for Judge Millington to enter the courtroom, the accused faced multiple personal emergencies. She had brought her daughter to court, expecting to have enough time to drop her off at school after her hearing.
While waiting, she also received a phone call informing her that her apartment complex was on fire, adding urgency to her situation.
The accused explained both emergencies to Deputy District Attorney Zaidi and asked whether her case could be heard earlier because of the circumstances.
“Of course, it should be no problem. I will let the Judge know your situation, and you should be on your way in no time,” Zaidi responded, according to the courtroom account.
When Millington entered the courtroom at approximately 9 a.m., Zaidi informed him of the accused’s circumstances.
Despite the request, the accused’s case was among the last called that morning. The court ultimately dismissed the case after determining that she had completed the required conditions.
Before leaving the courtroom, the accused told Zaidi that she believed the judge had intentionally delayed her case because of her race.
“I think the judge delayed my case on purpose because of my skin tone. This is not okay,” she said.
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