Thompson Case Prosecutors Ask for Dismissal

ASPEN, Colo. — Prosecutors asked today for dismissal of drug possession, explosives and sexual assault charges against Hunter Thompson, saying their case against the “gonzo” journalist was not strong enough.

The dismissal motions, to be heard Thursday in Pitkin County District Court, said potential witnesses had not cooperated with district attorney’s office investigators.

A statement by the district attorney’s office also said a preliminary hearing May 22 resulted in discrepancies between sworn testimony and previous statements to investigators.

Thompson said in an interview that the decision was “a huge victory for all of us” and there would be a “celebratory orgy” tonight at his favorite hangout, the Woody Creek Tavern in Aspen.

Thompson, 53, last week was ordered to stand trial June 25 on four felony and three misdemeanor charges after the preliminary hearing before Judge Charles Buss, who threw out a felony charge of using cocaine.

The charges stemmed from a visit to Thompson’s home in Woody Creek last February by Gale Palmer-Slater of Port Huron, Mich., an entrepreneur and ex-pornographic film actress and producer. She claimed that Thompson grabbed her breast and threw a drink at her and that she saw him sniff cocaine during her hours-long visit to his home.