Judge Rejects Dismissal of Rubashkin Case

DES MOINES, IA [AP] — A federal judge has rejected a motion to dismiss illegal immigration and bank fraud charges against Agriprocessors Inc. and former manager Sholom Rubashkin.

Attorneys for Rubashkin and Agriprocessors asked that the case be dismissed, claiming grand jury proceedings were tainted by improper comments about religion, race and anti-Semitism.

Chief Judge Linda Reade rejected those arguments in her ruling Friday.

Rubashkin’s attorney, Guy Cook, declined to comment.

Agriprocessors’ attorney, Jim Clarity, says the company is prepared to move forward with a defense.

Agriprocessors also operated a plant near Gordon, Neb., that was not included in the allegations against Rubashkin or the company.