Thread by @innercitypress

OK - now #EDNY arraignment of Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares charged with money laundering tens of million$ in bribes on behalfof a close relative who was a high-ranking government official in Panama. Inner City Press will live tweet, thread below

EDNY Magistrate Judge Marcia M. Henry: We will decide today whether you are remanded or released on bond. You have the right to remain silent. I understand you have retained Mr. [James] McGovern. You are charged with money laundering & concealment

Judge Henry: How do you plead?
Martinelli: Not guilty for today for the purpose of this hearing.
Judge Henry: Your lawyer can speak for you.
Martinelli's lawyer: His position is that he is going to plead guilty. He's pleading not guilty so we can get through this

AUSA: The consulate here in NY is aware of the arrest.
Judge Henry: DOJ is moving for detention?
AUSA: Yes that's correct. On risk of flight grounds. Mr Harper will argue it.
Michael Harper of DOJ’s Fraud Section: Luis' lawyers fought extradition for 16 months.

DOJ's Harper: Guatemala is a country that permits you to waive extradition at any point. But he fought at every stage. He's not here voluntarily. He was removed here on an FBI plane, in handcuffs. He's desperate to return to Panama.

DOJ's Harper: Here's how he ended up in Guatemala. We were in plea discussions with his prior counsel when he left the US. They went to the Guatemalan border & presented false diplomatic credentials. He got the Panama health minister to get him in despite lockdown

DOJ's Harper: Our evidence is strong. He has significant political connections in Panama, and he's a citizen of Italy. We ask for a permanent order of detention.
Martinelli's lawyer McGovern: My client is 39, father of 2. He attended Southern Methodist University

Martinelli's lawyer McGovern: The MDC is a troubled institution. Mr. Harper as a DC person may not understand the extent of the problems there.
Judge Henry: How did he return?
Defense: There are things that are technically true and then there's the truth

Martinelli's lawyer: He and his brother went to the government and initiated the negotiations. And he has agreed to plead guilty. But what is he facing? He's already done 16 months. He's offering $650,000, and $3 million bond.

Judge Henry: I am ordering Mr. Martinelli detained. $ million is not enough, compared to $28 million scheme.
Martinelli's lawyer: We respect your decision.
Next proceeding, before Judge Dearie in December.
Inner City Press will stay on the case(s) #CourtCaseCast