(AP) – A Kansas judge dismissed felony charges against a Planned Parenthood clinic, following the disclosure that state documents later sought as evidence were destroyed.

The ruling came after a hearing Wednesday in Johnson County District Court.

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said he had no choice but to seek dismissal of the most serious felony counts against Planned Parenthood, which accused the clinic of falsifying records. Howe said the documents had been shredded.

Of the 107 overall charges against the clinic, 49 were dismissed — including 23 felonies. The remaining 58 charges accuse Planned Parenthood of failing to follow state law in late-term procedures.

Planned Parenthood denies any wrongdoing. Its attorneys say the shredding was mandated under state regulations. But abortion opponents are suspicious because the shredding occurred during the administration of former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, an abortion rights Democrat.