Defense attorneys for two men accused of impersonating federal law enforcement agents and supplying Secret Service personnel with gifts asked a U.S. judge on Monday to release their clients from jail pending trial, saying the government's case was flimsy and lacked evidence they pose a threat.
Prosecutors "have jumped to the wildest conspiracy theories imaginable," said Michelle Peterson, an attorney representing Arian Taherzadeh, 40, who is accused along with Haider Ali, 35.
At a detention hearing on Friday, prosecutor Joshua Rothstein asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Harvey to detain both defendants, but Harvey resumed the hearing again on Monday amid lingering questions. "If I were to put both of these gentlemen under house arrest, what's the realistic likelihood ...that they could go and impersonate another police officer during the pendency of this case?" he asked.
The government has pointed to a cache of weapons and other equipment seized by the FBI as evidence the men pose a threat. The items include firearms, surveillance equipment, tools used to manufacture identities and tactical gear.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rizzo, Stanton hit more homers as Yankees make it two straight over Red SoxGiancarlo Stanton became the first player to homer against Boston in six straight games, hitting a tiebreaking, two-run drive in the sixth inning that gave the Yankees a 4-2 win over the Red Sox on Saturday.
Read more »
Clay County fair worker stuck between two pieces of ride attempting good deedWhile the ride was stopped, worker Davontai Lee said he was trying to get a hat that someone lost while on the ride. Moments later, he said his life was flashing before his eyes.
Read more »
No Sweatt: Fernandina Beach product delivers two clutch hits to lift North Florida over JUIt's two wins in two days for UNFOspreys in the latest RiverCityRumble for college baseball, and once again, a local star led the charge.
Read more »
Two defence systems eliminate plasmids from seventh pandemic Vibrio cholerae - NatureTwo defence systems are identified in pandemic Vibrio cholerae that act both cooperatively and independently to eliminate invasive plasmids and bacteriophages.
Read more »