Judge Allows Witness Anonymity in Case, Citing Threats; Chides Prosecutors for Overreach on Secrecy
• Judge sides with prosecutors to keep witness identities secret due to threat concerns • Rejects request to seal witness statements, citing lack of justification and precedent • Judge criticizes prosecutors for failing to detail requests and follow court policies • Notes decision resolves earlier ruling that could have revealed witness information • Emphasizes public right to access in court cases, high bar to override presumption