Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ prosecutor Andrea Reeb steps down after defense challenge

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 said she could not perform that duty while also serving as a state legislator.

The decision by Andrea Reeb to recuse herself as prosecutor came after weeks of resistance by her and First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, who appointed Reeb.

And it is the second major setback in the case against Baldwin for the accidental fatal shooting in October 2021 of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust.”

Reeb previously dropped a so-called enhancement charge 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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