A mistrial has been declared in the trial against James Stewart, the suspect accused of prostituting his daughter in exchange for drugs and paraphernalia. The decision comes a day after Stewart’s defense argued a witness broke the rules about what could be said in court. 

District Judge Cindy Leos declared a mistrial in court Thursday after issues came to light on Wednesday when the girl’s grandmother, Guanda Kenney, discussed the family’s connections to Cornelius Galloway.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Galloway is suspected of being involved in a sex trafficking organization. Judge Leos says because of the nature of the information is highly prejudicial, she had no choice but to declare the mistrial.

She does, however, worry about the emotional trauma the now 8-year-old will be put through by having to testify again when the case is retried. 

“It’s something that I don’t take lightly at all to put that little girl through that again,” said Judge Leos.

Another trial has been scheduled for April 1.  

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