Lawyers seek separate trial for their clients as mobster plans to represent himself at murder trial
Fearing the negative fallout from Colombo capo Theodore Persico Jr. playing lawyer at his upcoming racketeering and murder trial, the lawyers for two co-defendants have asked for a separate trial.
Gerald McMahon, who represents reputed mob associate Francis "B.F." Guerra, said he was making the request because Persico Jr.’s self-representation would be “prejudicial” to his client. Paul Schectman, the lawyer for reputed Colombo prince Michael Persico, joined in the application.
Brooklyn Federal Judge Sandra Townes rejected the motion and ordered jury selection to proceed, with opening arguments scheduled for Monday.
Persico Jr. is eager to cross-examine the mob rats the government has lined up to testify against the three defendants. Court-appointed counsel Elizabeth Macedonio will assist him.
“He [Persico Jr.] doesn’t have any hard feelings,” about his cousin Michael and Guerra wanting to get as far away from him as possible, she said.
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