re: Motta/Giles Trial

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professionals that are supposed to be looked up to, attorneys,

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Following a chaotic courtroom scene in which Motta’s mother fainted and Motta sobbed and vomited at the defense table, Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter remanded her and Giles to the custody of U.S. Marshals, saying the lawyers’ convictions earlier in the afternoon — as well as what Vitter called Motta’s brazen decision to record witnesses after her indictment — posed risks to their communities.

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Addressing Motta’s defense attorney, Vitter noted that her alleged co-conspirator, the disbarred attorney Sean Alfortish, faces an August trial date on fraud and murder charges tied to the 2020 slaying of a witness in the case. Motta’s defense had revolved largely around the idea that she was duped by the older Alfortish into perpetrating the scheme.

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Vitter invoked a recording played during the trial in which Motta called a witness in the case, which prosecutors argued constituted a violation of her bond. "I have no reason whatsoever to believe that she was naive and was under the influence of anyone else,” Vitter said. “In fact, I believe Ms. Motta was aware of what she was doing at all times." Vitter also sharply rejected an argument by Giles’ lawyer that he had not known he was a target of the federal probe at the time he chose to record witnesses. “He has failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that he is not likely to flee or pose a danger to the community if released,” Vitter said. Vitter made her statements as Motta continued to vomit into a garbage pail while several people inside the courtroom attempted to comfort her.

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Wendy Vitter savagery

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