Rubashkin asks that immigration trial be moved
June 2, 2009

Read Comments(3)Recommend(2)

A former executive at Postville's kosher slaughterhouse asked a judge
today to move his federal trial out of Iowa to protect his right to an
unbiased jury.

Sholom Rubashkin requested the change of venue through his lawyer, Guy
Cook, who argued in court papers that pre-trial media coverage and
commentary has portrayed his client as a villain.

Cook argued that the intense press coverage makes it impossible to find an unbiased jury.

Prosecutors have argued that Rubashkin, a former executive at Agriprocessors, Inc., can receive a fair trial.


Rubashkin first asked a judge in January to move the trial, and was
denied in part because it was not scheduled until September. But Judge Linda Reade allowed him the option to renew his request.

Rubashkin and several Agriprocessors managers are named in a 142-count
federal indictment that alleges illegal immigrant hiring practices, bank
fraud and other offenses. Rubashkin and the managers have all pleaded
not guilty.

Cook also asked to break his client's case into two separate
trials. A judge has not yet ruled on the matter, but a hearing is set
for June 4.


http://www.desmoinesregister.com/articl ... 2016/1001/