[StBernard] Prosecutors Drop 36 Counts Against the Manganos

[Westley Annis]

Prosecutors Drop 36 Counts Against the Manganos 
4/25/2007  

Prosecutors in the case against the operators of St Rita's nursing home,
have agreed to drop 36 counts of cruelty to the infirm. 

But defense attorneys continued their fight Wednesday to have two seperate
trials. 

They believe testimony in the cruelty to the infirm case against the
Mangano's should be kept seperate from testimony in the negligent homicide
case. 

For one thing they believe it would be prejudicial, for another, they think
the sheer volume of evidence in dealing with 63 counts would be confusing to
the jury. 

The judge has asked prosecutors to try and narrow down their evidence, as he
considers whether to sever. 

The Mangano's remain free on bond.