Another Delay in DUI Case against California Anchor
The criminal DUI case against former Santa Barbara television news anchor Paula Lopez Ochoa has been delayed yet again.
The judge in the case is growing tired of the delays and the case is expected to move forward next week — either with a plea deal or a trial date.
Despite earlier warnings to the attorneys, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Anderle allowed yet another continuance from Friday’s hearing.
Lopez, a former KEYT and KCOY television news anchor, was arrested Sept. 8 in a parking lot and charged with six misdemeanors, including driving under the influence; driving with a blood-alcohol content over .15; resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer; and two counts of battery on a peace officer.
After this last delay, the judge gave both sides an ultimatum to move the case along, since it’s been continued for more than six months without arraignment.
Savrnoch, who was working out of the District Attorney’s Office in Lompoc, was chosen to prosecute the case to avoid a potential conflict of interest because Lopez is married to retired Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa.