SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) A convicted former northern New Mexico sheriff has a new strategy in his attempt to win a new trial. Attorneys for former Rio Arriba County Sheriff Thomas Rodella had been seeking a new trial on grounds that two key witnesses lied while testifying against Rodella. However, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports that defense attorney Robert Gorence says in court documents that he can't prove that the witnesses perjured themselves.
Gorence now says he will argue that Rodella deserves a new trial because prosecutors improperly used medical records of Rodella's son to discredit the son as a defense witness.
Rodella was convicted Sept. 26 of brandishing a firearm and deprivation of rights against one of the witnesses. Rodella faces up to 17 years in prison when sentenced Dec. 26.
