CROWN POINT | Lake Criminal Court Judge Diane Ross Boswell released Monday Erodney Davis from the Lake County Jail after prosecutors delayed the case more than 180 days by failing to produce evidence requested by the defense.

Davis, 26, of Gary, faces a felony charge of dealing in cocaine, court records show.

His case has been a tug-of-war between the prosecutor's office and defense regarding evidence.

Public defender Marc Laterzo said Monday he has continually requested documents from the state and Gary Police Department, but they have ignored the requests. He is seeking information related to confidential informants.

Davis is accused of selling drugs to a confidential informant, court records allege.

Boswell ruled the state must turn over the evidence, but the state has not produced it and continues to file motions for continuances and reconsideration, Laterzo said.

Davis' arrest warrant for this case was issued in August 2007. He was initially held without bail, but it was later changed to $50,000, court records show.

Davis has a history of drug-related charges, court records show. He pleaded guilty in 2004 and 2006 to felony possession of cocaine.

He also pleaded guilty earlier this year to misdemeanor resisting law enforcement under an agreement with Lake County prosecutors. He originally was charged in that case with carrying a handgun without a license -- a felony.