Upwards of 30 indictments in question: Grand jury tainted in Cayuga County

A flawed grand jury selection process in Cayuga County is fueling a wave of appeals following the overturning of an Auburn man’s murder conviction.

Attorney Ben Susman, representing Lucciano Spagnola who was convicted for the same crime, filed a motion in June to reverse his client’s conviction, according to officials.

The Citizen further reported that Spagnola’s appeal was lodged after Gage Ashley’s conviction was nullified by the state Appellate Division due to a tainted grand jury process.

Despite the DA’s office’s appeal against the decision, the state’s highest court denied the request.

There are approximately 30 other indictments that were voted on by that grand jury.

The District Attorney’s office contends it is not obligated to review these cases, according to The Citizen’s reporting. Rather, each defendant should decide whether they want their cases reopened.

Should a case be reopened, defendants run the risk of receiving a potentially higher sentence.

The controversy has raised questions about the “ethical obligation” of the DA’s office to inform defendants of the flawed grand jury proceedings.

Staff Report

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