Gag order lifted in case of overweight toddler, Family not ready to talk

Last updated: 02/01/2001 10:59:12 01/24/2001 17:28:34 MST
ALBUQUERQUE, NM

For the first time in months, the family of an overweight toddler taken into state custody because she was so obese may be able to talk openly about what happened.

On Wednesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court invalidated a gag order issued on the case of Anamarie Martinez-Regino by Children's Court Judge Tommy Jewell. Jewell's ruling had prevented all parties from talking about the case.

However, at a press conference just after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, the family's attorney, Troy Pritchard, said it appeared Judge Jewell still held jurisdiction over the case. He said the family wanted to talk with Jewell before speaking to the media to be sure of the judge's wishes.

"I still have a lot of questions," said Anamarie's mother Adela Martinez. "I prefer to have council look at it and make sure we're doing the right thing before we do anything. I don't want to end up in court again. This is one experience I don't want to live again."

The state took Anamarie Martinez-Regino from her parents on August 25th because the 3-year-old weighed 120 pounds, and officials were concerned she might die. She remained in state custody for two-and-a-half months.

Jewell dismissed the case last month, but not the gag order. An attorney representing some media in the case questioned why the gag order was still in effect and asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to rule on the gag order.

It was not clear when the family would be ready to talk publicly about their experience.

http://www.lowcarb.ca/anamarie.html