PROSECUTOR Mary Ann Castro will face trial in court for allegedly physically attacking and verbally abusing the rumored live-in girlfriend of her estranged husband Leodegreco Sanchez in March last year.
Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Casiño found evidence to charge Castro with physical injuries and light oral defamation before the Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Castro allegedly grabbed and injured the arm of Maricel Raffinan Gregory and maligned her reputation when the prosecutor allegedly forcibly opened the office of the Regional Special Operations Group last March 7, 2016, where the complainant stayed after she surrendered.
Because of the incident, Prosecutor Simaco Labata also charged Castro and her six companions, four men and two women, with two counts of direct assault and malicious mischief. These cases are pending before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities under Judge Francisco Seville.
The latest cases against Castro stemmed from complaints filed by Gregory, who accused the prosecutor of physical injuries, grave oral defamation and slander by deed before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.
Gregory said Castro harassed her verbally by sending her unpleasant text messages and calls, causing her mental and emotional anguish.
Gregory said that Castro also pulled her arm and hair when the prosecutor barged into the police’s office last March 7, 2016.
Replying to the charges, Castro denied harassing Gregory, whom she had sued for libel over a Facebook post that accused her of stealing a vehicle.
In the resolution, Prosecutor Casiño said Castro could be held liable for physical injuries for grabbing Gregory’s arm.
Casiño also indicted Castro of slight oral defamation for maligning Gregory’s reputation inside the police’s office.
The complaints of slander by deed, physical injuries and grave oral defamation against Castro were dismissed for lack of evidence.