OK - and the beat goes on: now a request for release from pre-trial detention by Alec Dupuis aka "nycgas" arrested for selling MDMA and alprazolam, "resulting in the death of Peter Krasniqi on Aug 11, 2020." His father has money from a whistleblower complaint 1/x
Judge Rakoff: If Mr. Dupuis were to violate, they'd go after his parents home. So I'm not sure what the paralegal brings to the table. What about his history with drug use?
Defense lawyer: To be frank, I have not had much of an opportunity to discuss it with him
Turns out Dupuis was moving out of his condo on West 56th Street when the authorities came with a search warrant. He turned off his phone and was prepared to fly on Dec 17 to the UK, of which he is a dual citizen. But police found out, & his mother hired a lawyer
The plot thickens, with mentions of magic mushrooms and a trip to Brasilia, return 7 days later from Panama. Judge Rakoff asking many questions.
Assistant US Attorney: "I am not suggesting that Chapter 7 bankruptcy is like committing a crime. Here, the defendant's parents are separated. The father lives in Texas in a $530,000 home with a $400,000 mortgage on it. So, less than the offered bond
AUSA: We have an extradition treaty with the UK. But it has to be for a crime on the books in both countries. Here, he was involved with scienter in the death of another. It is possible we could not get him extradited.
Retained defense counsel (same one who represents Jordan Dillon, another case Inner City Press is covering innercitypress.com/cacd1sdnydillo…) says the parents ran into financial difficulties but are appropriate suretors here.
Judge Rakoff: In other cases I've called the Warden of the MDC and gotten counsel access to their clients there. Now there's every indication that the Omicron variant is significantly losing its force, particularly in the NY area.
Judge Rakoff: I've heard enough to make my ruling.
Defense counsel: Now there's a nationwide BOP lockdown, even to legal calls.
Judge Rakoff: In some respects this is a close call. I have a background as a criminal defense lawyer. The Chapter 7 gives me pause
Judge Rakoff: The extradition issue is serious. The huge penalties we have make foreign courts eager to avoid extradition to our Land of Mass Incarceration.
Defense: Mr. Dupuis can execute a waiver of execution.
Judge Rakoff: I will reduce that as a consideration
Judge Rakoff: But there is a glaring problem. He told disguised drugs. It reflects an attitude to the law and of civilized behavior; he would be a danger. He cares so little that it led to the death of another. I deny the motion (for release). Story soon.
Dupuis puts his hand over his (red) hair, glances back at the gallerty. Now he is gone with the Marshals.
• • •
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OK - in Harvey Weinstein trial, now argument on prosecutor citing 2017 #MeToo articles about Weinstein. Judge Curtis: I'm going to tell the jury they can't consider it. Inner City Press is covering the trial & will live tweet, thread below matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/metoo-re-do-…
ADA: Everyone knew this was coming... Now the jurors will wonder why.
Judge: They don't have a right to know. Anyway, Ms. Mann can testify to this
ADA: She's not on until next week
Judge Farber: So you'll have read-back?
ADA: Yes.
Judge: Bring in the jury. I'm going to tell them to disregard.
Jury entering!
[Unlike with other judges in 100 Centre, and nearly all in SDNY, gallery does not have to stand as jurors come in]
OK - now at Harvey Weinstein trial, opening statements. At defense table this time, Marc Agnifilo and Jacob Kaplan. Inner City Press has covered the case from the beginning and will live tweet, thread below
Assistant DA: The defendant told Jessica to come into the bedroom. He pulled her in and started kissing her, backing her further into the room. She was 105 pounds. He was close to 300 pounds. He orally sexually assaulted her that night. She faked an orgasm...
ADA: She lied and said it was the best she ever had. Jessica didn't tell anyone. She had no family she could rely on. She blamed herself. Defendant began to pursue her romantically. Because of her limited experience and her religious upbringing she didn't see it
10:21 am
Now lawyers milling around in courtroom, Kessler and Pfeiffer and teams, talking about "demonstratives"
10:22 am
Now Marriott is in the courtroom gallery.
"Are we getting one copy? Or multiple copies?"
Live Nation has its "war room" down on the 11th floor - Inner City Press went there to cover a listed case before Judge Vargas and got some icy stares- and info : )
Oye Oye Oye!
Judge: We will immediately turn to US v Combs, all counsel are present. Ms. Shapiro will appear for the appellant and will reserve two minutes for rebuttal.
Shapiro: Yes, your Honor.
Judge: We have read the briefs. Ms. Shapiro?
Shapiro: This is about respecting jury verdicts-
Judge: You argue to not consider acquitted conduct. But this Court has held that it may be considered, right?
Shapiro: Yes.
Judge: So other than preserving your argument for an en banc panel or the Sup Ct...
All rise.
Judge Subramanian: You have the jury instructions
[not yet in the docket] Mr. Hernandez, bring in the jury... All rise!
[Jurors enter]
Judge: The evidence in this case has closed. You will hear closing arguments and my instructions on the law.
Judge Subramanian: First, you should not consider the win-loss data from SalesForce. As to Dr. Abrantes-Metz, she does not contend that Ticketmaster uses the term retained amount as she uses it. Now, the arguments. Mr. Kessler?
All rise for the jury!
Judge Subramanian: Next witness.
It's Adel Nur, by designation (video)
States' lawyer: Mr. Nur, or Future, what do you do at DreamCrew?
Nur: My client produces TV shows. I help come up ideas.
States' lawyer: You manage Drake?
Nur: Yes
States' lawyer: Who is Drake?
Nur: He is the number one streaming artist in the world... We met in Toronto, I was a DJ and he would come to my events.
Q: What do you do for Drake?
Nur: He is my best friend in the world. I manage his career, I help with family