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Litigator Alex Spiro, known for representing celebrities, is defending NYC Mayor Eric Adams against federal corruption charges with an unconventional legal approach. Spiro values spontaneity over extensive witness preparation and charges significantly less than his usual rate for the mayor's defense. While some criticize Spiro's style as more show than substance, others commend his confidence and audacious arguments in high-profile cases. [Extracted from the article]

According to federal prosecutors, a former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Mohamed Bahi, has been charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence in an investigation into an alleged illegal political donation scheme. Bahi is accused of advising a construction company executive to lie to investigators and deleting an encrypted messaging application used to communicate with Adams. The charges come after the mayor was indicted last month for allegedly funneling illegal foreign donations into his campaign. City Hall is currently facing multiple corruption probes and high-level resignations. [Extracted from the article]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges, which include bribery, fraud, and campaign-finance violations. Adams surrendered to federal authorities and appeared in court, where he stated his innocence. The indictment accuses Adams of soliciting illegal campaign donations from Turkish donors and accepting gifts in exchange for favors. The mayor is the first in modern history to be indicted while in office. Calls for his resignation have emerged, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul is reviewing her options regarding his removal from office. Adams is expected to return to court for further proceedings. [Extracted from the article]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing an indictment on charges of bribery, fraud, and solicitation of illegal campaign donations. This has raised concerns about his ability to effectively govern the city, especially as top aides resign and local elected officials question their willingness to work with him. The indictment comes at a crucial time as the city council is set to consider one of Adams' key initiatives, and it may impact negotiations on policy decisions and the city budget. The ongoing federal probes into Adams' inner circle have already led to the departure of key allies and could have long-term consequences for the city's ability to recruit talent and secure federal funding for infrastructure projects. Despite the charges, Adams has vowed to fight them and remain in office. [Extracted from the article]

A New York appeals court is questioning the validity of the state's civil fraud case against Donald Trump and whether the penalty of nearly half a billion dollars is excessive. The case, brought by the New York attorney general, accuses Trump of fraudulently valuing parts of his real estate empire for financial gain. The court heard arguments in Trump's appeal to overturn the judge's order to pay $489 million. [Extracted from the article]

Two former New York City fire chiefs, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, have been charged with accepting bribes in exchange for expediting safety inspections. The Manhattan U.S. attorney's office alleges that Saccavino and Cordasco fast-tracked safety-plan reviews and inspections for hotels, apartment buildings, and restaurants between 2021 and 2023. A third official, Henry Santiago Jr., who pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government, ran an expediting business and gave cash payments to Saccavino and Cordasco for their help. The corruption case is the latest to hit the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, who stated that the alleged wrongdoing started under a previous administration. [Extracted from the article]

Chris Morvillo, a defense lawyer from New York, tragically lost his life in a yacht accident off the coast of Sicily. Morvillo had a successful career, following in the footsteps of his famous father, Robert Morvillo, who was a renowned trial lawyer. He recently achieved a significant legal victory by securing the acquittal of British technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch in a high-profile fraud case. Morvillo was known for his unassuming style, mentorship of younger lawyers, and dedication to his family. His death is a great loss to the legal community. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that former New York's George Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. Topics include Santos's admission to fabricating his life story and embezzling funds from donors, the resolution of his case through a plea deal for two federal offenses, and his guilty plea to participating in a scheme involving false campaign-finance reports and inflated fundraising amounts.

The article focuses on former congressman George Santos's anticipated guilty plea to criminal charges, which will prevent his scheduled trial. Topics include the nature of the charges against Santos, the context of his expulsion from Congress, and the broader implications of his legal troubles and fraudulent activities.

A jury of five women and seven men is expected to begin deliberations this week in the hush-money trial of former President Donald Trump. The trial, which has seen Trump face 34 felony charges, could have significant implications for the upcoming election. A conviction would be unprecedented for a former president and could damage Trump's standing with voters, while an acquittal or hung jury could be seen as a victory for Trump. The trial centers around allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump denies the affair and his lawyers argue that seeking to sway voters is legal. The jury's verdict will be crucial in shaping the political landscape moving forward. [Extracted from the article]

In the hush-money trial involving former President Donald Trump, lawyers for Trump called their main witness, Robert Costello, who testified that former fixer Michael Cohen denied Trump's involvement in the hush-money payment to a porn star. Costello stated that Cohen told him he made the payment himself and that Trump had no role in it. During Costello's testimony, there was a skirmish with the judge, who threatened to remove Costello from the stand. Prosecutors have rested their case, and closing arguments are expected after Memorial Day. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for allegedly covering up the hush-money payment. [Extracted from the article]

Senator Bob Menendez is facing a second public corruption trial, where he is expected to discuss personal matters such as his collection of gold bars, his wife's alleged lies, and his father's suicide. Menendez is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for taking official actions that benefited foreign governments and businessmen. The trial, which began in a New York federal court, could have significant implications for Menendez's political future and personal life. The senator faces 16 criminal counts, including bribery, fraud, and foreign-agent offenses. [Extracted from the article]

Stormy Daniels's testimony in Donald Trump's hush-money trial provided explicit details about their alleged sexual encounter in 2006. While her testimony could bolster the prosecution's argument that Trump tried to buy her silence during his presidential campaign, some legal experts believe it could also be used by Trump's defense team to argue that her testimony was prejudicial and unrelated to the charges of falsifying business records. The judge sustained objections from Trump's lawyers during Daniels's testimony, and Trump's lawyers have unsuccessfully sought a mistrial. The trial continues with the upcoming testimony of Michael Cohen, who made the payment to Daniels. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump's lawyer sought to undermine the credibility of adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during her testimony in court. The lawyer portrayed Daniels as a fabulist who speaks to ghosts and a hustler who made millions off her story of sex with Trump. Daniels, however, denied making up the encounter and stated that if she had, it would have been better. The testimony may bolster prosecutors' narrative by illustrating how Daniels's story could have damaged Trump's 2016 campaign. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump has been threatened with jail by the judge overseeing his hush-money trial for violating a gag order for the 10th time. The judge fined Trump $1,000 for claiming in an interview that the jury was mostly Democrats and was picked too quickly. The gag order prohibits Trump from attacking potential witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and their families. The trial centers around allegations that Trump directed the creation of false records to cover up a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty and accused the Manhattan District Attorney of being politically motivated. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump is currently facing trial in a Manhattan courtroom for alleged crimes and sexual impropriety. Accustomed to a life of luxury and adoring crowds, Trump now spends his days in a drab courtroom, enduring uncomfortable conditions and restrictions. He is unable to eat or drink anything but water, must remain silent as witnesses testify against him, and can only use the bathroom during breaks. Trump's trial revolves around allegations that he falsified documents to cover up a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Despite his frustrations, Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied the affair. [Extracted from the article]

Tabloid publisher David Pecker testified in a Manhattan trial that he made a deal with then-candidate Donald Trump and his lawyer Michael Cohen to bury politically damaging stories about Trump. Prosecutors argue that this agreement constitutes a criminal conspiracy. Pecker's testimony is crucial to the case as it corroborates Cohen's account. Pecker also revealed that he encouraged negative stories about Trump's opponents and bought negative stories about Trump. The trial is ongoing, and Trump has denied the allegations. [Extracted from the article]

A jury of five women and seven men has been selected to hear the first criminal trial of Donald Trump, who is facing 34 felonies related to paying hush money to a porn star. The jurors, all of whom live in Manhattan, must reach a unanimous decision to either acquit or convict the former president. During the jury selection process, potential jurors were asked questions to determine their impartiality, including their opinion of Trump. The jurors have a range of jobs, hobbies, and news sources, and their opinions on Trump vary. [Extracted from the article]

A man named Max Azzarello died after setting himself on fire outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial is taking place. The incident occurred while Trump was in court for the selection of alternate jurors in his criminal case. Azzarello poured an alcohol-based accelerant over his body before lighting himself on fire. Police believe he harbored conspiracy theories, as he threw pamphlets containing conspiracy-based writings into the air before the incident. The courthouse and surrounding area have been under increased security due to the trial. [Extracted from the article]

A 12-person jury has been selected for the hush-money trial of former President Donald Trump, marking the first criminal trial of a former president. The jury consists of five women and seven men, including individuals with diverse backgrounds such as an investment banker, a physical therapist, a security engineer, and a retired wealth manager. The jury selection process faced some challenges, with two jurors being dismissed due to concerns about their identities being made public. The trial is expected to last six weeks and Trump faces 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the case politically motivated. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny over a $175 million civil bond that he obtained to cover a $454 million civil-fraud judgment against him. The New York attorney general's office has questioned the financial qualifications of the bond issuer, Knight Specialty Insurance, as it is not on a list of federally approved sureties. The attorney general's office has demanded proof of the suretor's qualifications and details of the assets backing the bond. A hearing is scheduled for April 22 to address these concerns. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump is facing a $454 million civil-fraud judgment in his New York trial. His lawyers have stated that he has been unable to secure a bond to guarantee payment of the judgment, as suretors require cash rather than real estate as collateral. Trump has asked a New York appellate court to waive the bond requirement while he appeals the judgment, arguing that paying now would cause irreparable harm. If he is unable to obtain a bond, the New York Attorney General could begin enforcing the judgment and seizing his assets. Trump's net worth is estimated at $3 billion, but much of his wealth is tied up in properties. [Extracted from the article]

Federal prosecutors have requested a prison sentence of 40 to 50 years for Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange. They also asked for an $11 billion judgment against him. Prosecutors accused Bankman-Fried of orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in history, victimizing tens of thousands of people. Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of fraud, has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal. The sentencing is scheduled for March 28th, and the judge will consider the financial loss and other factors in determining the appropriate sentence. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump has obtained a $92 million bond to cover a defamation judgment he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll. The judgment was awarded to Carroll after Trump denied her claims of sexual assault, tarnishing her reputation. Trump still faces a separate $450 million penalty in a civil-fraud case brought by the New York Attorney General. The judgment in that case continues to accrue interest, and Trump may have to sell some of his properties to pay the full amount. [Extracted from the article]

A businessman named Jose Uribe has pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Uribe admitted to making payments for a car for Menendez and his wife in exchange for the senator's help in resolving criminal matters. This plea is the first in the case against Menendez, and Uribe's cooperation strengthens the prosecutors' case. Menendez and the other defendants have pleaded not guilty, with the senator maintaining his innocence and accusing prosecutors of misrepresenting his work. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump is appealing a New York judge's ruling that he must pay $355 million plus interest in a civil-fraud case. The judge found that Trump inflated the value of his real estate empire to secure low-interest financing. Trump's lawyers argue that the judge committed errors of law and abused his discretion. The ruling also banned Trump's sons from running the Trump Organization for two years and imposed restrictions on the company's ability to obtain loans. The appeal could potentially last a year or more. [Extracted from the article]

A New York judge has ruled that Donald Trump and his business must pay $355 million for misrepresenting his wealth for financial gain. In addition to the monetary penalty, the judge imposed nonmonetary punishments that could significantly impact Trump's business operations. Trump and his sons are banned from serving as executives of the Trump Organization or any other New York company for several years, and they are also barred from applying for loans from financial institutions registered with or chartered in New York state. The ruling could force Trump's real estate conglomerate to reevaluate its business practices and seek loans from smaller institutions. Trump plans to appeal the decision. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump and his business, the Trump Organization, have been ordered by a New York judge to pay over $350 million in penalties for misrepresenting Trump's wealth for financial gain. The judge also barred Trump from serving in a top role of any New York company for three years and barred his sons from holding positions as officers or directors of a New York company for two years. The case stemmed from a state probe into low-interest financing deals Trump made with lenders before his political career. Trump has denounced the case as a partisan abuse of the justice system and plans to appeal the decision. [Extracted from the article]

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testified in a hearing defending herself against allegations that her romantic relationship with her deputy should disqualify them from prosecuting Donald Trump for election interference in Georgia. Willis strongly denied the allegations and accused defense lawyers of lying and trying to put her on trial. The hearing was widely watched and Willis provided detailed responses to questions about her relationship and financial matters. The judge will consider the testimony before making a ruling. In a separate hearing, a judge ordered Trump's hush-money trial to begin on March 25 in New York. [Extracted from the article]

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who is facing bribery charges, is seeking to have a separate trial from his wife, Nadine Menendez, who is also charged in the same bribery scheme. Menendez argues that being tried together infringes on his marital rights and could potentially harm their defense strategies. The judge is expected to rule on the request for separate trials in the coming weeks. While separate trials are rare, Menendez's lawyers argue that he has a stronger case for severance due to legal privileges that protect the intimacy and confidences between spouses. [Extracted from the article]

A helicopter crash in California's Mojave Desert resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a prominent Nigerian banker, Herbert Wigwe. The crash occurred during inclement weather, and the helicopter was en route from Palm Springs to Boulder City. The victims also included Wigwe's wife, son, and businessman Abimbola Ogunbanjo. Access Bank, one of Nigeria's largest banks, confirmed Wigwe's death and praised his leadership. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. [Extracted from the article]

The Manhattan hush-money case against former President Donald Trump is set to be the first criminal case against a former president to be heard by a jury. The trial is currently scheduled to start on March 25 and involves charges of falsifying business records related to payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels to secure her silence about an alleged affair with Trump. Some legal observers have questioned the strength of the case and its potential impact, but the narrower set of charges may make it easier to try in court. Trump's lawyers have asked the judge to dismiss the case, arguing that the conduct is too old and that Trump is being unfairly targeted for political reasons. [Extracted from the article]

Civil litigation against former President Donald Trump is posing a financial threat to him and his family's real estate business. Two civil cases in New York, one involving defamation and the other alleging exaggeration of wealth to lenders, could result in Trump owing hundreds of millions of dollars. Last week, a federal jury ordered Trump to pay over $83 million in damages for defaming E. Jean Carroll, and a state court is expected to rule on the amount Trump should pay in penalties for overstating his wealth. Trump's lawyers plan to appeal both cases. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump made a brief appearance in federal court in New York as a witness in a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. Carroll claims that she is entitled to monetary damages from Trump for defamation after he denied her allegations of sexual assault. Trump's testimony was limited to three questions, and some of his answers were cut off by the judge. The trial will determine whether Trump owes Carroll additional financial damages for denying her allegations. Closing arguments are scheduled for Friday. [Extracted from the article]

A federal jury has ordered former President Donald Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83 million in damages for defamation. Carroll accused Trump of damaging her reputation by denying her claims of sexual assault. This verdict comes after a previous jury awarded Carroll $5 million for the same defamation case. Trump has called the verdict ridiculous and plans to appeal. The trial has been marked by Trump's frequent appearances and comments, which prompted the judge to warn him about his behavior. This case is one of several legal challenges Trump is facing as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential nomination. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump faced the threat of being removed from a New York courtroom during a defamation trial brought against him by writer E. Jean Carroll. Carroll testified that Trump had damaged her reputation by denying her allegations of sexual assault. The presiding judge warned Trump to control his behavior after he was accused of speaking loudly and inappropriately during Carroll's testimony. The trial centers on comments Trump made while he was president, and it marks the first time Trump and Carroll have been in the same room in years. [Extracted from the article]

A new trial is underway to determine if former President Donald Trump will have to pay columnist E. Jean Carroll even more damages after a jury last year ordered him to pay $5 million for sexually abusing her and defaming her. Carroll accused Trump of assaulting her in the 1990s, and he denied it, calling her a liar. The current trial focuses on comments Trump made while he was president, with Carroll's lawyers seeking at least $10 million in compensatory damages. Trump has already paid the $5 million owed into a court account while he appeals the verdict. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump delivered closing arguments in his civil fraud trial in Manhattan, where he is accused of falsifying the value of his assets for financial gain. Trump personally addressed the judge, claiming that the case was a witch hunt orchestrated by his political enemies. New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused Trump and his associates of inflating his worth to obtain preferential treatment from banks, seeking $370 million in penalties. The judge is expected to issue a decision by the end of the month. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the emergence of "pillow talk" insider trading cases during the work-from-home era. These cases involve individuals gaining confidential information from their romantic partners who work in finance or law. The COVID-19 pandemic created a unique environment where secrets were shared during the routine of working from home. The article highlights specific cases where individuals used this information to make profitable trades and the legal consequences they faced. It also notes that while men are often the ones involved in these cases, women have also been implicated in the past. The article concludes by mentioning the challenges faced by prosecutors in determining the involvement of the partner who received the information. [Extracted from the article]

New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking over $370 million in penalties from former President Donald Trump for allegedly inflating his net worth to obtain favorable terms on bank loans and insurance policies. James had previously sought $250 million in financial penalties as part of her lawsuit accusing Trump of overvaluing his real estate properties. The filing came ahead of closing arguments in the trial, and James is also seeking to permanently ban Trump and two former Trump Organization executives from the real estate industry in New York. Trump's lawyers have argued that he shouldn't have to pay back anything and have criticized James's requests as excessive and unsupported by evidence. [Extracted from the article]

Federal prosecutors have announced that they will not pursue additional criminal charges against Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, after his conviction for fraud related to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange. This decision allows for Bankman-Fried's sentencing to proceed in March. The prosecutors stated that restitution for the victims of his crimes would likely be included in his sentence. Bankman-Fried's defense team has indicated that they plan to appeal the conviction. [Extracted from the article]

Trevor Milton, the founder of electric-truck company Nikola, has been sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding investors. Milton was convicted on multiple fraud charges for lying to investors about various aspects of Nikola, including the drivability of its zero-emission truck prototype and the company's ability to produce hydrogen to power the trucks. The judge also ordered Milton to pay a $1 million fine and forfeit a property in Utah. Prosecutors had sought 11 years for his conviction, while Milton's lawyers argued for probation. [Extracted from the article]