Judge decides to remove attorney for Nancy Garrido in California kidnap case

Judge decides to remove attorney in Calif. kidnap

PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A judge has decided to remove an attorney defending Nancy Garrido against charges of kidnapping and raping a girl who police say was held captive for 18 years.

Court documents say lawyer Gilbert Maines was removed during a closed hearing in El Dorado Superior Court on Thursday.

However, Judge Douglas Phimister immediately stayed the decision until another hearing Nov. 30.

Court documents don’t say why the judge made the decision. Phimister ordered the records sealed.

Phone and e-mail messages left for Maines were not immediately returned Monday.

Garrido and her husband, Phillip Garrido, have pleaded not guilty in the case involving Jaycee Dugard.