Judge Keeps AG in Zoo Case | Roanoke News

A Virginia judge has blocked a bid to remove the state’s Attorney General’s Office from a high-stakes criminal case at the Natural Bridge Zoo, preserving the prosecution team amid claims of bias and mishandled investigation. Defense argued the local prosecutor should take over, citing out-of-county warrants and alleged conflicts due to the AG’s ties to animal rights groups — but the judge ruled the local attorney can still collaborate with state prosecutors. Five zoo-connected individuals face charges including animal cruelty and forgery, in a case already mired in years of legal battles, gag orders, and missing animals — with trial set for February. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d035f8edddcb685e