Saturday, December 20, 2025
Luigi Mangione Tells SDNY Stalking Not Enough for Death Penalty As NYS Unsealed
by Matthew Russell Lee, Substack Book Patreon
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 19 – Luigi Mangione was presented in Federal court on December 19 on four charges, one of them death penalty eligible, for the killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Inner City Press was there, covering the case toward a book.
On April 1 DOJ announced it will seek the death penalty against Mangione.
In the interim, after some push back, Inner City Press published a book Luigi Mangione Lone Wolf here, now Amazon here. 2d book here
On December 19 Mangione's lawyers filed a lengthy brief in Federal court against the death penalty, arguing among other things that stalking is not a predicate crime of violence - filing on Patreon here
In the NYS case, on December 2, Justice Carro ruled to seal all exhibits, without giving any opportunity to be heard.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
Late on December 2 Inner City Press emailed, then on December 3 faxed and hand-delivered, a letter asking to be heard and for unsealing, here.
Dec 1 more on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
On November 21, past 9 pm, the US Attorney's Office filed a 121 page response, on Patreon here
The Federal case is US v. Mangione, 1:25-cr-176 (Garnett)
More / extra on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
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Senegalese Street Seller Detained in MDC by ICE SDNY Judge Mulls Releasing Him Dec 22
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 19 – A man from Senegal who has been detained since being arrested in November charged with selling counterfeit goods on Canal Street and Broadway was brought on December 19 before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Arun Suramanian. Inner City Press was there, and live tweeted, here:
Judge Subramanian: Does the Government concede that if Mr. Tall exhausted his administrative remedies, he could be released? He is arguing that for persons on parole, the conditions must be considered. AUSA: Some courts have granted release in those circumstances
AUSA: Any defect in the original arrest can be cured Judge Subramanian: The other line of cases say, Just release. And there are more than 100 cases like this. AUSA: I haven't counted. I'll have to take your word for it.
Judge Subramanian: Even though Mr. Tall was detained because of a violation of state law, if it was done improperly, shouldn't he be released? AUSA: I haven't researched that. Judge Subramanian: The agency thought detention was mandatory? AUSA: Yes
Judge Subramanian: After Mr. Tall was arrested on November 22, no one at 26 Federal Plaza considered whether he could be released - why isn't that a violation of the regulations? AUSA: They had a warrant to arrest him. It's hard to operate in a counter-factual
Judge Sumramanian: Given that they were operating under a framework that this court and 100s of others have found to be legally erroneous, shouldn't Mr. Tall be released? Even if you just re-arrest him? AUSA: Or give him the bond hearing at this point
AUSA: I've only worked on a few of these cases, I don't have a bird's eye view - but in one I worked on, the District Judge just sent it back for an Immigration bond hearing - and that was the end of the Federal proceeding
Judge Subramanian: Nothing prevents me from retaining jurisdiction AUSA: We might not think it's appropriate Judge Subramanian: Why was a new warrant issue? AUSA: I was trying to find that out. Judge Subramanian: Would petitition be entitled to fees? AUSA: Some do
Petitioner's pro bono counsel from Cleary Gottlieb: The document does not mention any warrant, only that Mr. Tall was observed peddling counterfeit merchandise in front of 448 Broadway. Judge Subramanian: Why didn't you have Mr. Maldonado here? A: Sorry
Judge Subramanian: Are you saying Mr. Maldonado is lying? Cleary: What's in his declaration is not consistent with the rest of the evidence. Judge: You're saying in essence that they chased him down Canal Street then issued a third warrant afterward
Cleary: Without saying he's is lying, we can better believe the written records at the time. Judge Subramanian: We can call Officer Maldonado and you can cross examine him Cleary: But Mr. Tall would remain detained Judge: Do you want fees? Cleary: It's our right
AUSA: Officer Maldonado is part of ICE's Fugitive Operations Team, that's why he got involved later. Judge Subramanian: It says officers were conducting surveillance - inconsistent with what Mr. Maldonado says. AUSA: An ICE officer saw him & got Maldonado
Judge: Break 11:56 am - Judge Subramanian is back. Judge: The remedy should correspond to the violation. There is disagreement. The AUSA says, sent back for a hearing before the immigration judge. The petition says the remedy is release
Judge Subramanian: It is important to get the law right. I need to take the weekend
Inner City Press will stay on the case(s)
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
The case is Tall v. Joyce, et al., 1:25-cv-9781 (Subramanian)
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PayPal Hides Community Reinvestment Act Plan for Utah FDIC Bank So Fair Finance FOIA
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
FEDERAL COURT, Dec 18 – PayPal wants to open a bank - but it is trying to keep secret its Community Reinvestment Act plan.
On December 16 Fair Finance Watch commented against PalPal's proposal, to the FDIC (which is moving to cut out the public) and to the Utah Department of Financial Institution.
While the FDIC had not responded, two days later, the Utah agency sent the "public" portion of the application. But the CRA Plan was called "confidential." Inner City Press immediately sought it under FOIA / GRAMA:
On behalf of Fair Finance Watch and in my personal capacity, this is a request under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act, §63-2-101 et seq., for a copy of PayPal Bank's Community Reinvestment Act plan. FFW is a timely commenter on the application, but just learned that the part it most wants to see, the CRA plan, is for some reason being withheld. What is PayPal ashamed of?
The Utah Government Records Access and Management Act requires that public records responses be made within at least 10 business days if the records are for individual purposes or within five business days if the record is meant to benefit the general public.
Before that, this comment (also to the FDIC) -
On behalf of Fair Finance Watch, this is a timely comment in opposition to the application to charter the proposed PayPal Bank Industrial Bank: Consider both the complaints about PayPal, and about the difficulty of complaining about or even to PayPal: "It was extremely difficult to close my Paypal account and Paypal Credit account even after I experienced fraud. Someone was charging the credit card connected to the Paypal account. Even though Paypal notified me of fraudulent activities, I got the run around when I requested to close both accounts. ... Paypal customer service? Customer Service does not exist except to make things even more complicated. So I am screwed, my friend is screwed and Paypal is richer by 750$…nice BTW, I am a 76 yr old disabled veteran living on social security…needed this $$ badly to survive…I guess Paypal needed it more. F%#* Paypal…
And, from the closing-down CFPB: "My PayPal account suffered account take over. Unfortunately the app or website doesnt allow to change tel numbers, information, removed stores cards etc. I submitted a claim onto PayPal, as I noticed an erroneous telephone number, I could not change that and/nor have heard back from PayPal. Since I suffered an account take cover and I reported this to PayPall, this should have been remediated immediately. Hasnt happened yet!" No public response https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/consumer-complaints/search/detail/8234624 This is not a company that should be given a bank or ILC charter with no public benefit, no real CRA plan. Fair Finance Watch is hereby timely requesting public hearings, and that we be emailed a complete copy of the application.
On the current record, PayPal's proposal could not legitimately be approved.
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Luigi Mangione Hearing Ends Decision May 18 As Defense Calls Out Use of Mother Statement
by Matthew Russell Lee, Substack Book Patreon
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 18 – Luigi Mangione was presented in Federal court on December 19 on four charges, one of them death penalty eligible, for the killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Inner City Press was there, covering the case toward a book.
On April 1 DOJ announced it will seek the death penalty against Mangione.
In the interim, after some push back, Inner City Press published a book Luigi Mangione Lone Wolf here, now Amazon here
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
Late on December 2 Inner City Press emailed, then on December 3 faxed and hand-delivered, a letter asking to be heard and for unsealing, here.
After handing in the letter and getting it stamped at 10 am, Inner City Press stayed in and covered Justice Carro's courtroom past 5 pm. Then:
Justice Carro said, "Mr. Lee? Come up to the rail." I did. He said, I've read your letter. I intend tomorrow to decide what part of what is being presented came be made public to the Press. And on December 4 he said it would happened. And some did.
On December 18, both sides rested and Justice Carro said briefs due January 29 and March 5 with his decision due May 18. At the end Karen Friedman Agnifilo complained of misquoting of his mother, but no action was taken.
More Dec 18 on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
On unsealing bid, more / extra on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
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Amid Take Down of Dozen from East Harlem Johnson Houses Questions of Fentanyl as WMD
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 17 – On December 17 the SDNY US Attorney's Office announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 12 men with a drug dealing and weapons conspiracy in the Johnson Houses in East Harlem - and a 12:15 pm press conference. Inner City Press went, its second time of the day in 26 Federal Plaza, asked two questions and live tweeted, here
OK - now at SDNY US Attorney presser on arrests in Johnson Houses in East Harlem. Inner City Press in April covered Bragg-n-Tisch presser on "take-down" of gang in that housing project. Is this the same gang (that is, not taken-down) or new?
Jose Perez, FBI Operations Director, in from DC: FBI is ending the year on a roll, takedowns in Detroit (Bay City) LA, etc. FBI partners with Homeland Security NYC FBI Raia: This is operation Empire Heat - 5 borough and some outlying countries - Long Island
Inner City Press asked, what happened to the Wusky takedown? And how will deeming fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction be applied in New York?
Clayton: Fentanyl has killed 100,000 people. We are listening to what people want
Clayton explained Federal versus state indictment in three works: continuity of custody.
In the afternoon Inner City Press went to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrates court, where co-defendant Hernandez was ordered detained as a danger to the community. Continuity of custody indeed.
The case is USA v. Gonzalez, et al., 1:25-cr-577 (Stein)
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Subprime Fraud of Tricolor Leads to SDNY Indictments Amid Questions About Banks
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 17 – Early on December 17 the SDNY US Attorney's Office announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging DANIEL CHU, the founder and former CEO of Tricolor Holdings LLC, with orchestrating a years-long financial crimes enterprise that defrauded multiple banks and other private credit providers - and an 8:30 am press conference.
Inner City Press raced and went, asked two questions and live tweeted, here
Clayton: Systematic fraud that reaches the C-Suite will not be tolerated. We will meet C-Suite cooperation with open arms. But tacit C-Suite approval of crime will be met with the full array of our prosecutorial resources.
[Then much praise of the FDIC. But wait: aren't they deregulating these banks?]
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia, after joking about recent shoulder surgery so not asking him questions: The CFO has pled guilty and Chu has been arrested... We will protect the integrity of the credit markets... Thank you to the FDIC OIG and FBI Dallas and Miami field offices. Have a safe holiday season
Inner City Press asked if the deregulation of banks - JPM Chase, Fifth Third - isn't making this type of fraud easier to pull off. Clayton: Supervision would not have stopped this fraud.
Off topic Inner City Press asked Jay Clayton if his office is monitoring the Luigi Mangione suppression hearing in state court. He: Not appropriate to answer
Indictment on Patreon here
More bank analysis on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
The case is USA v. Chu, et al., 1:25-cr-577 (Castel)
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Fifth Third Hid Comerica Bid Branch Closings Now List of 80 Closings after FFW FOIA to Fed
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY/SOUTH BRONX, Dec 15 – As US bank regulators loosen rules - including the FDIC moving to eliminate public comment altogether on branch expansion applications - now more big banks are moving to get bigger.
On October 6, Fifth Third announced it will apply to buy damaged Comerica Bank. On October 8-9, it was opposed, to the Fed and OCC, by Fair Finance Watch.
On December 1 Fifth Third filed with the Fed, but is seeking to withhold from the public, the many branches it would close if it gets Fed approval. FFW immediately challenged with withholding under FOIA.
Now on December 15 we have the list of 80 branches that would close if the Fifth Third merger is approved, and publish it here on Inner City Press' Patreon (it would not go up on DocumentCloud, for some reason, at least for now).
Now on Inner City Press' Document cloud here
The merger should be denied.
On November 10, after a contemptuous response by Fifth Third's Kala Gibson, the fight spread to five more states.
Fifth Third's EVP of "Corporate Responsibility" Kala Gibson wrote in urging a rubber stamp from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, saying that HMDA data proves nothing. He is speaking for CEO Tim Spence, who bragged on the day of announcement how fast he could obtain an approval. Well let's see.
In state after state, Fifth Third for African Americans has (many) more denials than originations, while the opposite is true for white borrows. The pattern is striking, starting with two states Fifth Third and Comerica overlap in:
In Michigan, the state Comerica abandoned for Texas, Fifth Third in 2024 denied 249 applications from African Americans while making fewer, only 177loans - while it made fully 4189 loans to whites and denied only 1688 applications. This is disparate [there are more states] They are worse in Florida...
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La Luz del Mundo Church Leader in SDNY for Sadistic Abuse Videos Now Eva Denied Bail
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 15 – Back on September 10, DOJ charged NAASÓN JOAQUÍN GARCÍA and others with "sexual, financial, and related criminal conduct victimizing members of the La Luz del Mundo Church over many years... to facilitate the systemic sexual abuse of children and women—including the creation of photos and videos of sadistic child sexual abuse."
Garcia was taken into Federal custody in California and transported to New York on September 18. On September 23, with two California-based lawyers next to him, Garcia was brought before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Loretta A. Preska. Inner City Press was there, thread
On October 10 the US Attorney's Office proposed a protective order beyond what Naason Joaquin Garcia would agree to, letter on Patreon here
On October 16, a co-defendant pled not guilty: "Arraignment as to Eva Garcia De Joaquin (4) The defendant is presented and arraigned on the indictment and enters a plea of not guilty."
On October 17 counsel to Naason complained to Judge Preska about the proposed protective order. Email on Patreon here
On December 5, counsel to co-defendant Eva asked for bail, going back to her childhood when Aaron was the Apostle, then to her move to Los Angeles after her husband Samuel's death. She is 80 years old now.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
On December 15 Inner City Press attended the bail argument, with Naason also present, handcuffed throughout despite his Alan Jackson legal team's request otherwise. Bail was denied, thread here, extra on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
US letter on Patreon here
The case is USA v. Garcia, et al., 25-cr-370 (Preska)
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Man Convicted of al Shabaab Attack Plan in Pro Se Trial Asks for 30 Years US Says Why Life
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 12 – Cholo Abdi Abdullah is charged with planning with al Shabaab to attack the US with a commercial jet.
On September 5, 2023 he appeared in court saying he has lost faith in lawyers, and intially saying he now wants to represent himself. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the courtroom.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Analisa Torres advised him that without a lawyer he would be at a major disadvantage.
On November 21, 2023 Inner City Press went at 9 am to Abdullah's Faretta hearing. But it was asked to leave the courtroom, from 9:22 am to 9:50 am. It filed a letter to get the transcript of the closed proceeding, here.
On August 5, 2024 Judge Torres set a schedule for an October 28 start of trial.
On October 18, the US Attorney's Office wrote in with issues for the final pre-trial conference on October 21, and trial set to start October 28: he "wants to merely sit passively during the trial... because he does not believe that this is a legitimate system."
He has not requested assistance in filing a proposed clothing order. So will he sit on trial in MDC tan?
On October 21, he appeared in MDC tan for the final pre-trial conference. Inner City Press was there. Thread:
All rise! [Inner City Press is the only media - the only civilian - in the courtroom] Judge: Mr Abdullah, the trial begins next week. Abdullah: I wish to remain passive
Judge: If your stand-by counsel becomes active, I will assume it is with your consent. Abdullah: I am deliberating if I might question some witnesses. It is up to me. They are not going to participate in this case.
Judge: If you engage in misconduct you may lose your right to represent yourself. You are at an extreme disadvantage if you represent yourself. You are putting yourself in extreme danger. Abdullah: I have my reasons. I keep them to myself
Abdullah: I would prefer to not even have stand-by counsel. But you do not allow that. Judge: Did you receive the US motions in limine? Abdullah: I have objections, but no stamps to mail them. Judge: You may make them now.
Abdullah: The US is going to use Al Shabaab propaganda videos. Fine. But they should not show video of suicide bombers to the jury. It is going to play with verdict. I want them to cut the part with the shooting,start with the reporter
Abdullah: There is CCTV provided by the Kenyan government. I do not want the suicide bomber video in AUSA: We want it in. He searched for the video almost contemporaneously. It is probative. [White noise is turned on]
Abdullah: I don't object to the jury being shown the anti American and anti Zionist statements... But using the other Al Shabaab statements of CC-1 and CC-2, it is hearsay.
Judge: Having received no objections, I issued an order on October 16. I assume you got it- Abdullah: I did not. Judge: You should read it. We will take a break.
On October 24 stand-by counsel wrote in that Abdullah has only been given access to legal research six days before trial. He had wanted jurors to asked about "bias about Israel and Palestine" but withdrew his request.
On October 28, Inner City Press attended the first day of jury selection, from the thread:
defendant who is representing himself (with 3 stand-by counsel) did not ask to appear in a suit, so he is here in tan MDC jail uniform
Judge: Does anyone have religious or philosopical beliefs that would impact their fairness in this case? No one says yes. Break taken.
Now judge questioning prospective jurors. Judge: Number 21? Woman: New Rochelle, Master in finance. I could be fair 2d woman: Rockland, hospice social worker. Man (playwright) I am concerned about the defendant representing himself, that I'll perceive propaganda
Woman, Lower East Side, Islamic Studies, Meddle Eastern studies. Spouse is a lawyer in estates and a Animal law... Woman, lawyer in larges civil rights & civil liberties firm. Concerned colleagues would talk about case. Would not ask them not to.
Judge: We'll break here.
On October 29, Inner City Press covered the end of jury selection, the shut-down of defense opening, then the US opening - they say (not surprisingly) the pace is "brisk." From the thread:
final jury selection AUSA: We challenge Number 37. Judge: Does the defense challenge 38 or 48? Cholo (pro se) No. [Jury picked]
Judge: Openings? AUSA: 50 minutes. Cholo: I will explain why I will not participate. Judge: That is not a proper subject for opening. Cholo: Then no opening. Defendant said he wanted to open by telling jurors why he will NOT be defending himself, but was told that is not a proper subject for an opening. So, no opening by him (!)
AUSA: The defendant traveled to meet al Shabaab. He learned to use explosives. He learned what's called operational security. After many months, he was told he was chose for a special important mission: to hijack a plane and attack. He agreed
AUSA: He enrolled in flight school. He stayed in it for more than a year. He tried to get a job with a US airline. [Defendant Cholo Abdullah is sitting slumped in his chair at defense table, in a tan MDC-Brooklyn prison jacket. 2 of his 3 stand-by lawyers there
AUSA: After an attack, the defendant Googled it. He searched online. He maintained contact with his Al Shabaab handlers. In June 2019 he reached the final stages of his pilot training. But he was arrested [and has been in jail since, next cell to Joshua Schulte
AUSA: At the end of this trial [Nov 15?!?] we'll have a change to talk to you again. Between now & then, pay attention, follow Judge Torres' instructions, and use your common sense. If so, you'll reach the only verdict, that defendant Cholo Abdullah, is guilty
Judge: Witnesses, after lunch. We'll break.Update: as US puts on the stand an American University professor about global jihad, Cholo Abdullah is not cross examining anyone, and once told that explaining why was not a proper opening argument, didn't make one...
As US v. Cholo Abdi Abdullah trial ends for the day, without defendant doing any cross, AUSA says "We are moving briskly."
On October 30, even more brisk, Your Honor - from the thread:
AUSA: Professor, what are we about to see? Prof Tricia Bacon: People fleeing Al Shabaab's mall attack [Defendant Cholo Abdi Abdullah in final pre trial conference raised issues about these videos - but so far only objected once, overruled]
AUSA: Doctor Bacon, has Al Shabaab participated in airplane attacks? Bacon: Twice. In 2016, an operative with a laptop blew himself out of a plane. Also in 2016, they tried it in print cartridges. They didn't make it on the plane but they did injure several people
Bacon: The one in 2018, they said they had intended to get on Turkish Airlines. AUSA: No further questions. Judge: Cross examination? Cholo Abdi Abdullah: No. [He is "going passive"] Judge: The government may call its next witness
[Next witness] AUSA: What is your name? Witness: Joseph Kalum, of the Kenya anti-terrorism police unit for 21 years. AUSA: What sort of cases do you focus on? Kalum: All terrorism cases, digital forensics.
AUSA: Did you investigate this attack? Kalum: Yes, Your Honor. Judge: Please don't call the prosecutor "Your Honor." You may call me that. Kalum: Yes, your Honor. AUSA: Did you collect digital evidence? Kalum: Yes, your Honor.
AUSA: What kind of evidence? Kalum: From laptops, Your Honor. Judge: You should just not use that term Your Honor to anyone. AUSA: Is this a portion of the CCTV footage? Kalum: Correct. AUSA: We offer GX 802. Judge: Any objection? [Silence] Judge: Admitted.
On October 31, the US put in audio and more - and then rested its case. Thread:
Assistant US Attorney: Agent, did you review messages form the Elusive Router account on Facebook? Agent: I did. Here's the IP address it used. AUSA: What is shown in GX 296? Agent: More log ins to Facebook. AUSA: Move to admit. Judge: Any objection? Cholo: No
AUSA: Special Agent, what website was he going to? Agent: The complete audio of the Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki lecture series - he is a deceased member of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. There's a photo of him with others. I worked all of these cases
AUSA: Play the audio. Jury hears Anwar al-Awlaki talking about getting on planes with no ID check. "But America thought it could occupy and plunder without consequence." Chola Abdi Abdulla is slumped in his chair at defense table, stroking his beard.
Update: Now Judge Torres has asked the prosecutors how they would argue against a Rule 29 motion (for acquittal) by Cholo Abdi Abdullah, if he were to make one - since he is NOT making one, or doing anything else. AUSA: We have proved our case
Judge: Does the defendant wish to present evidence? Cholo Abdi Abdullah: No, I do not trust these public defenders, they work with the US. I was asking for discovery since January. I got it last week. Judge: I believe BOP- Cholo: I am an honorable person.
Judge: I've watched you talk to your stand-by counsel, then talk to me. So you accept his advice- Cholo: Only when it conforms with my views. Judge: Have you had enough time to discuss testifying or not? Cholo: He mentioned it to me. We did not discuss
Cholo: I told him, I will remain passive. Judge: Have he mentioned your right to you, did he remain there in a listening posture? Cholo: I have no problem with- Judge: I need you to answer my question. Did he remain? Cholo: Yes.
Judge: You've made a decision not to testify? Cholo Abdi Abdullah: That is correct. Judge: Be seated. The charge and jury sheet have been delivered. We are adjourned.
On November 1, Cholo Abdi Abdullah's stand-by counsel "on behalf of Mr. Abdullah, and his instuction," moved to exclude co-conspirator statements, citing US v. Rangott (which Inner City Press also covered). Judge Torres issued an order she will allow them to come in.
On November 4, he was quickly found guilty. Thread:
Cholo Abdi Abdullah has just been found guilty. Judge: Jurors, thank you for your service. You are excused. [Jury exiting]
Judge: Mr. Abdullah, will you continue to represent yourself? Abdullah: Yes. I will not take any advice. Judge: He continues as your stand-by counsel, I am requiring it. Any motion by Dec 6
Judge: Sentencing March 10 at 10 am. Probation will want to interview you... Abdullah: Is it my choice? Judge: It is your choice. Abdullah: Then I will not talk with anyone. I will never change my mind. You already know this about me. I will remain rigid
Judge: I want to thank the lawyers for your civility. We are adjourned.
On February 21 his appointed lawyers wrote to Judge Torres for more time for the sentencing memo because "he has refused to speak with counsel since November 14, 2024, and has insisted on not participating in sentencing proceedings."
On March 3 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for life imprisonment. Sentencing was scheduled for March 10.
Until it wasn't: "ORDER as to Cholo Abdi Abdullah. Accordingly, by March 10, 2025, Standby Counsel shall file a sentencing submission. Such submission shall include Standby Counsel's analysis of (1) the appropriate Guidelines range to be used and (2) the sentences that have been imposed in comparable cases. The sentencing scheduled for March 10 is ADJOURNED to March 24, 2025. (Signed by Judge Analisa Torres on 3/4/25)
On March 10 standby counsel wrote in that he has no reason to believe that the Guideline is not life in prison but emphasized that "the pro se litigant is entitled to a favorable exercise of the Court's discretion."
On March 13 the US Attorney's Office wrote in that "there is currently no basis to believe that the defendant has adopted stand-by counsel's sentencing memo," and suggested questions to be asked.
On March 24, Inner City Press went to the sentencing. But the defendant told Judge Torres he now was considering asking for a lawyer, not the assigned CJA stand-by lawyers. Judge Torres asked everyone else to leave the courtroom, and reportedly after than pushed the matter back in to April.
On April 7, Inner City Press was (the only person) in the courtroom gallery when Cholo accepted his new lawyer, while saying if there is a conflict he will return to Judge Torres. The next date - for a status conference to, the lawyer said, set a sentencing date - is June 16 at 1 pm.
On June 11 he wrote it to cancel that and asked for a sentencing date in December.
On June 12, "The status conference scheduled for June 16, 2025, is ADJOUNED sine die."
Sentencing was set for December 22, and on December 5 the US Attorney's Office wrote in seeking to move it into January. On December 8 Judge Torres in one word denied the request.
Docketed on December 10, defense counsel's redacted request for 30 years, starting with the line "My arrest was my rescue."
On December 12 the US Attorney's Office in a heavily redacted submission said that life in prison is necessary because "the defendant did not join al-Shabaab with good intentions; he was not disillusioned; and he did not 'feign' commitment" - then paragraphs redacted.
Watch this site.
More on Substack here
The case is USA v. Abdullah, 1:20-cr-677 (Torres)
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