Judge slaps down Moriarty attempt to block access to court records

Remember Sherlock Holmes’ fictional arch-rival, Professor James Moriarty, in the novels created by British author Arthur Conan Doyle? There’s another Moriarty in real life in the person of Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty.

A judge rejected two motions Wednesday brought by Moriarty in her case against State Trooper Ryan Londregan. Designed to temporarily block the public from accessing vital information about the case, the motions were rejected by Judge Tamara Garcia in a blow to Moriarty.

“The Minnesota and United States Supreme Courts recognize a First Amendment right of access to court records in criminal cases,” wrote Judge Garcia in her decision. “The State’s motion to temporarily restrict public access to court records … is DENIED.”

Londregan, 27, is a Minnesota State Trooper who has been charged with three felonies stemming from a July 2023 incident in which he shot and killed Ricky Cobb, a convicted felon who had ties to a Minneapolis gang. In January, Moriarty announced that her office would file charges against Londregan.

Londregan’s attorney Chris Madel said Moriarty wants to conceal the “weakness” of her case.

On July 31, 2023, Cobb was pulled over because his taillights were out. After discovering that Cobb was wanted in Ramsey County, the responding state trooper called for backup. As such, Londregan and another trooper arrived on the scene. Cobb proceeded to reject instructions to exit his vehicle. Eventually, a state trooper opened Cobb’s door and attempted to get Cobb out of the vehicle.

However, Cobb put his vehicle in gear and attempted to drive away with the state trooper half-in the vehicle, half-outside the vehicle. Londregan, standing on the passenger side of the car at the time, drew his firearm and shot Cobb to prevent him from harming the other state trooper. Cobb died from the gunshot wound.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that vehicles can be considered “dangerous weapons” if they are driven recklessly in a manner that is “likely to cause death or great bodily harm.”

Law enforcement officers have been killed from being dragged by a vehicle.

“The law is well-established and clear: law enforcement may use reasonable force if they are confronted with death or great bodily harm,” said Imran Ali, general counsel for the Minnesota Police Officers and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA). “The State Trooper made a critical and necessary decision to use reasonable force during a dangerous and dynamic situation. Law enforcement officers die in similar situations.” Source: Alpha News