GUILDERLAND — In light of a recent decision by an Albany County Court judge dismissing the rape charges brought by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs against a former teacher at the LaSalle School, the case against Guilderland resident Justin Hope, charged with sexually abusing a resident in his care as a direct-care aid at Vanderheyden Hall in Rensselaer County, could possibly be dropped as well.

On March 30, Judge Thomas Breslin ruled that the Justice Center could prosecute Marina Viviani only if it worked under the direct supervision of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.

The Justice Center is also prosecuting Hope. His case is also in Albany County Court, before Judge William Carter.

This week, Hope’s attorney, Lee Kindlon, told The Enterprise, “That came up at my conference for Mr. Hope last week, and I told the court and the Justice Center that we will be submitting a motion to dismiss.”

Justice Center Spokesman William Reynolds wrote in an email, referring to Breslin’s decision, “The Justice Center believes that the legislature acted within its authority when it created a special prosecutor in the Justice Center. We are reviewing the decision and considering our options,  including appealing the court’s decision.”