HAMPTON, Va. — Cory Bigsby, the father of missing Hampton 4-year-old Codi Bigsby, needs a new lawyer.
A judge on Thursday granted attorney Jeffrey Ambrose's request to be removed from Bigsby's case.
Bigsby faces seven child neglect charges unrelated to Codi's disappearance over two months ago. He was arrested on Feb. 3, just days after he reported Codi missing.
Ambrose had filed a motion to withdraw because "an ethical conflict has arisen that precludes further representation."
In a statement, Ambrose wanted to address rumors in the community. He tells 13News Now:
"My withdrawal has nothing to do with any kind of confession by my client, contrary to rumor. The ethical problem compromised my duty as an attorney and his rights as a defendant."
During a court hearing Thursday, Hampton Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Gregory Bane asked Ambrose if that conflict could be resolved. Ambrose answered no.
The judge then asked if issues would arise if he denied the request. Ambrose said yes.
Prosecutors had no objection to the motion to withdraw, and the judge granted Ambrose's request.
Bigsby told the judge he will look for a new lawyer. His next scheduled court date is April 28.
Ambrose previously accused the Hampton Police Division of holding Bigsby at police headquarters against his will. Following an internal audit, Police Chief Mark Talbot later acknowledged that Bigsby's request for a lawyer wasn't honored while police were questioning him.
Ambrose had also argued in favor of granting bond for Bigsby, but that was denied twice in court.
There are no updates on Codi's whereabouts, but community groups are working to search for the missing boy.
Water Team Inc., a nonprofit search team, started looking for Codi after he was reported missing. Many people in the community and throughout Hampton Roads have also conducted their own searches.
More than 25,000 followers on a Facebook group called "Codi Bigsby- Missing from Hampton, Va" are dedicated to finding the boy as well.
If you or anyone you know has information that will assist police, you're asked to call Hampton Police at 757–727–6111 or the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP. Tipsters can also send an anonymous tip at P3Tips.com.