The tax-evasion trial of former Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and his wife got underway Friday with opening statements.
A 12-person Miami federal jury, which was picked Thursday, will hear allegations that Robaina and his wife, Raiza, conspired to defraud the federal government by failing to report more than $1 million in income — including $300,000 in cash payments allegedly collected from now-imprisoned investment scammer Luis Felipe Perez. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro, could last three weeks.
Before trial, prosecutors Richard Gregorie and Michael Davis argued that the couple had a conflict of interest with being represented by one defense attorney. They claimed that Robaina arranged to be paid in cash by Perez so he could use the money for his alleged mistress and keep it a secret from his wife.
But the Robainas stood united, insisting that the issue would not pose a conflict at trial because Perez and another witness who made the allegation were “liars.”
The SDFLA Blog is dedicated to providing news and notes regarding federal practice in the Southern District of Florida. The New Times calls the blog "the definitive source on South Florida's federal court system." All tips on court happenings are welcome and will remain anonymous. Please email David Markus at dmarkus@markuslaw.com
Friday, April 11, 2014
Tax fraud trial starts for former Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina
The case is before Judge Ungaro. The Herald has these details from the start of the trial:
What a huge mistake it is to have the same lawyer - the government is handing the wife a ready made defense - I didn't know about the additional money because my husband was supporting his mistress!!!
ReplyDeleteInstead, they will put up a united front.
Great.
Who is the lawyer?
Who writes those "articles" for the local "news"paper?
ReplyDeleteupon conviction wife will not be able to file ineffective assistance of counsel claim because of today's actions by the prosecutors.
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ReplyDeletehttp://nypost.com/2014/04/12/bloods-gang-boss-facing-charges-for-ordering-kidnapping-of-nc-das-dad/
ReplyDeleteA hand-cuffed Judge Mara twists and turns to protect the sanctity of rule 35 while being tongue and cheek tough on the defendant, defense attorney and prosecutors. What a crazy turn of events, if he didnt lower the sentence the govt's next bribe wouldn't be so credible.
ReplyDeletehttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-04-11/news/fl-pill-mill-twin-20140411_1_prison-sentence-prison-term-marra
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-why-oscar-pistorius-wont-get-a-jury-trial-2014-4?utm_content=buffer76d13&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer NOTE WELL WHY TRIAL BY JURY WAS ABOLISHED IN SOUTH AFRICA.
ReplyDelete