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A California District Attorney requested the removal of Judge Aaron Persky from a new sexual assault trial after he made headlines for the questionable sentencing of Brock Turner, who received a six-month sentence for a rape at Stanford University.

Jeff Rosen, the Santa Clarita DA, filed a motion asking to unseat Persky from a sexual assault case involving a male nurse who allegedly assaulted a female patient under anesthesia. An administrative judge granted Rosen’s request, according to NBC Bay Area.

USA Today reports that in a criminal case, both sides are allowed one motion to request removal of the judge.

Rosen was prompted to remove Persky when he learned the judge tossed out an unrelated misdemeanor theft trial before it reached a jury. Persky argued prosecutors failed to prove their case.

“We are disappointed and puzzled at Judge Persky’s unusual decision to unilaterally dismiss a case before the jury could deliberate,” Rosen said in a prepared statement. “After this and the recent turn of events, we lack confidence that Judge Persky can fairly participate in this upcoming hearing in which a male nurse sexually assaulted an anesthetized female patient.”

On Monday, the Palo Alto Weekly published a letter from an anonymous juror in Turner’s trial, saying he was “shocked and appalled” by the sentencing.

Persky has been the subject of mass scrutiny after critics blasted the former Stanford alum for Turner’s June 2 sentencing, saying it was too lenient based on class and race.

SOURCES: USA Today, NBC Bay AreaPalo Alto Weekly | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter

SEE ALSO:

Students Take A Stand At Stanford Graduation, Protest Convicted Rapist’s Sentence

Stanford Rapist Sentence Shortened To Three Months Instead Of Six

Stanford Rape Case Judge Removed From Separate Sexual Assault Case  was originally published on newsone.com