The attorney defending the Kenosha killer Kyle Rittenhouse has stepped down from his position after being accused of witness intimidation and corruption.
The stepping-down of defence lawyer John M. Pierce came after the prosecuting District Attorney claimed that the fundraising tactics being used by the Rittenhouse team was open to fraud at the hands of the attorney. The DA claimed that Mr. Pierce has serious personal financial difficulties and that the money pouring in could be used by him without proper oversight. The Rittenhouse defence team has raised over $1 million, with donations coming in from pro-gun advocates, right-wing groups, and even Christian ministries.
Prosecutors in Wisconsin are trying to block two California attorneys from defending Kyle Rittenhouse, alleging in a court filing that one lawyer’s involvement with a fundraising effort “provides ample opportunity for self-dealing and fraud.” https://t.co/weqsJtecWv
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) December 3, 2020
It is believed that Mr. Pierce has around $1.2 million in debt.
Pierce will not however step back entirely from the campaign to defend Rittenhouse. He said in a tweet shortly after being dismissed:
"Effective immediately I am taking over all civil matters for Kyle including his future defamation claims. I will also be orchestrating all fundraising for defense costs. The terrific Mark Richards will proceed in Wisconsin."
So that it does not take Kyle’s supporters by surprise, effective immediately I am taking over all civil matters for Kyle including his future defamation claims. I will also be orchestrating all fundraising for defense costs. The terrific Mark Richards will proceed in Wisconsin.
— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) December 3, 2020
It has also been alleged that Mr. Pierce intimidated witnesses who have come forward about the shooting. A witness told the liberal publication 'Mother Jones' that Pierce had sent people to snoop around her former apartment and ask questions about her. She also claims that she received disturbing and intimidating phone-calls from Pierce's office.
Others have come forward to say that Pierce had used similar intimidatory tactics during previous court-cases.
Rittenhouse is accused of the murder of two people during a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha Washington. Rittenhouse had illegally obtained a firearm and made his way to the protest from his home in Michigan where he then joined up with right-wing militiamen. The group claimed it was there to protect property and maintain law and order. Video showed police acting towards them in a friendly and supportive manner. Rittenhouse was chased along the street by protestors and fell to the ground. He then turned around and opened fire. He killed two people and seriously wounded another.
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