Judge in missing toddler case steps down from case

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A judge has recused herself from the case of a missing Jacksonville toddler.

On Monday, Circuit Judge Marianne Aho said she used to work for a law firm representing a media company that opposes a defense motion to have a gag order in the case against 32-year-old William Ebron.

Ebron is accused of child neglect, providing false information and several other charges stemming from the July 24 disappearance of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton.

The Florida Times-Union reports Aho wasn’t asked to recuse herself and lawyers on both sides seemed surprised. Chief Judge Mark Mahon will assign another judge to the case.

Aho said the next hearing will be Oct. 8 and the new judge will preside.

Ebron was dating the child’s mother when he disappeared.