Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ prosecutor Andrea Reeb steps down

The New Mexico special prosecutor in the “Rust” manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin and a co-defendant stepped down Tuesday after Baldwin’s attorneys sought to disqualify her because of her position as a state legislator.

The decision by the prosecutor, Andrea Reeb, is the second major setback in the case against Baldwin. She previously dropped a so-called enhancement, which carried a five-year prison sentence, after admitting to Baldwin’s lawyers over email she had incorrectly applied the law.

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as special prosecutor in the ‘Rust’ case,” Reeb said in a statement Tuesday.

“My priority in this case — and in every case I’ve prosecuted in my 25-year career — has been justice for the victim,” she said. “However, it has become clear that the best way I can ensure justice is served in this case is to step down so that the prosecution can focus on the evidence and the facts, which clearly show a complete disregard for basic safety protocols led to the death of Halyna Hutchins.”

“I will not allow questions about my serving as a legislator and prosecutor to cloud the real issue at hand.”

Baldwin’s lawyers in February filed a motion asking a judge to remove Reeb from the case, saying New Mexico’s constitution bars people from holding a position in one branch of government while executing the powers of another branch.

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