SAN DIEGO, Calif. — During a Nov. 12 status conference at San Diego County Superior Court’s North County courthouse, the defense raised questions about the accuracy and completeness of medical and drug-testing records in a case involving a mother whose children had been removed from her care.
Judge Anthony J. Campagna granted the defense one additional week to investigate the disputed records but expressed concern about delaying the proceedings further.
According to records discussed during the hearing, the accused underwent urine drug testing in May and June 2026, with results reportedly indicating methamphetamine use.
A physician at Rady Children’s Hospital also allegedly reviewed photographs of the accused’s children and provided an assessment that raised concerns about their well-being.
The children were subsequently removed from their mother’s care and placed at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center, a county-operated temporary shelter for children who cannot safely remain with their families.
During the status conference, Deputy Public Defender Gonzalez presented information about civil complaints that the defense argued raised questions about the credibility of the physician involved in the case.
According to the defense, one complaint suggested that a June drug test had actually produced a negative result, contrary to the information reflected in the records being relied upon in the proceedings.
The defense also questioned whether the physician’s assessment of the children had been accurately documented, particularly because the consultation reportedly involved reviewing photographs rather than examining the children in person.
Another complaint involving a different family was also discussed as potentially relevant to the physician’s credibility.
The defense argued that the prosecution’s reliance on the disputed records warranted additional investigation before the case proceeded.
Campagna questioned how thoroughly the defense had reviewed the available medical records.
Gonzalez responded that he had examined approximately 1,400 pages of records but had been unable to locate documentation supporting the reports discussed during the hearing.
The public defender also said he had attempted to obtain additional information about complaints involving the physician but had been unable to contact attorney Julie Goldberg.
Gonzalez raised the possibility that some records were inaccurate, incomplete or missing because of a clerical error.
He argued that the discrepancies required further investigation to determine whether the evidence being relied upon was accurate.
Deputy District Attorney Thomas acknowledged the defense’s concerns but questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.
The prosecutor indicated that verified information undermining the physician’s credibility could provide grounds for challenging the witness’s testimony.
However, Thomas emphasized that the defense had not yet established that the complaints were accurate.
Campagna agreed that the defense should have an opportunity to investigate potentially relevant evidence but expressed reluctance to extend the proceedings indefinitely while counsel attempted to verify every complaint.
“Where do I draw the line?” Campagna asked.
The prosecution also expressed concern about additional delays, arguing that the allegations might ultimately prove unsupported.
Thomas suggested that further investigation of unverified complaints “may not be fruitful.”
The judge weighed the defense’s request for additional time against the need to move the case forward without unnecessary delay.
Campagna ultimately granted the defense one additional week to obtain supporting documentation and evaluate the allegations.
The court scheduled another hearing for Thursday, Nov. 19, when the defense is expected to report on its efforts to obtain evidence supporting the disputed complaints.
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