July 20, 2001 09:52pm
Week Ends Quietly in Gold Club Trial; Fireworks Expected Next Week
Source: Independant for AINews
by: Rick C. Limpert
(ATLANTA, GA) -- Relatively speaking, the week ended quietly as jurors and those in attendance in the courtroom were warned what will happen early next week. Judge Willis Hunt ended proceedings for the week by not allowing into evidence a videotape showing co-defendant Michael DiLeonardo kissing Mafia crime boss John Gotti.
Prosecutors wished to get the tape in front of the jury to show the connection between the Gold Club and the mob. Judge Hunt did give indications he may allow the tape to be shown in the future if testimony steers that way again.
In lesser important developments, a second juror has been excused from the trial. It is not immediately known why this juror was excused, but he will be replaced by one of the alternate jurors. Also, a second witness who said the Gold Club over billed him spent time on the stand. Stephen Leach said he was double billed while attending the club in 1999. Leach said he was pressured on numerous occasions to keep spending money, always with the lure of possible sex with the dancers.
Late breaking news on Friday is that NBA center Patrick Ewing will be on the stand Monday. This is subject to change, but it will mark the first professional athlete to testify, and an increased media presence is expected.
About Rick C. Limpert:
Rick C. Limpert is the owner of SBC Photography (www.sbcphotog.com) in Atlanta, and the Spring Break Girls website (www.springbreak.5u.com). He is giving ongoing coverage of the Gold Club trial for AINews.com. He can be reached through his website for additional information or interviews.
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