All Charges Dropped Against Richard Kelley Harte Announces The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. today announces that Mr. Richard Kelley Harte will be released from the Leon County Jail and all charges against him will be dropped in association with the death of his wife, Barbara Harte.

Harte was released today at 12 p.m. and a news conference was held at 2 p.m. in front of the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. located at 553 East Tennessee Street, across from Leon High School.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of this case," said Don Pumphrey, Jr., Richard Harte's attorney. "Not only has the Harte family had to cope with the death of a mother and wife, but they have endured the wrongful prosecution of their father, Mr. Harte."

Harte was charged with first-degree murder on March 7, 2007 in connection with the drowning of his wife. This case proceeded without the knowledge of State Attorney William N. Meggs. When Mr. Meggs was informed of the Harte case, he personally investigated the allegations in addition to the probable cause and determined that they were inaccurate and inadmissible. Previously, investigators from the Tallahassee Police Department consulted with Chief Assistant Robin Lotane (currently running for Leon County Circuit Judge) who unilaterally made a decision to approve the probable cause affidavit causing a warrant to be issued.

About the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr.

The Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. has extensive litigation experience that includes more than 200 jury trials in the areas of DUI, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault and murder. Opened in 1999, the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. offers criminal defense representation and civil litigation services. Visit www.donpumphrey.com for more information.