Conn. public defender arrested over deportation (AP c/o Newsday)

Conn. public defender arrested over deportation

March 20, 2009

BRISTOL, Conn. - State police have arrested a public defender in Bristol Superior Court after a dispute involving deportation of one of her clients.

Police say 53-year-old Elisa Villa tried to block immigration enforcement agents from arresting one of her clients for deportation Thursday.

Villa is charged with hindering prosecution, interfering with an officer and breach of peace.

State police were called to the courthouse after being told Villa was not allowing the immigration officer access to 39-year-old Anselmo Antonio-Valerian, in court on motor vehicle charges.

Troopers say Villa hid the man in her office and pushed an immigration officer as he tried to take Antonio-Valerian into custody.

Villa is free on bond.