Repeat reminder: be sure to clip the previous post, or excerpt what you're referring to in the body of your email. Constant reminder: our rules allow pointed disagreement but require respectful discussion. -- Per Star Tribune article: 'The logical inference from this timing is that, by prior arrangement with the government, Council Member Herron -- an admitted extortionist -- was essentially allowed to handpick his successor as a reward for attempting to pressure Mr. Sabri into FBI-sponsored criminal activity,' Birrell argued. snip David Piehl notes: This is almost laughable, because for such an arrangement to have existed at all would imply that there is some sort of benefit derived from picking one's successor in a position. Regardless of who the "handpicked successor" would be, why would it make any difference to Herron? Additionally, prior to Brock's entry into the race, there were already three other candidates - what is "hand-picked" about that??!! Per Star Tribune article: Birrell also faulted investigators for not disclosing Herron's misdeeds for almost three years after he first obtained a loan from Selwin Ortega, a Lake Street grocer. The loan was later partially forgiven. David Piehl notes: Interesting timing on first obtaining the loan from Selwyn; it corresponds almost exactly to the timing of Sabri's arrival in the 8th Ward. Selwyn was having difficulty with inspections prior to Sabri's arrival, and Selwyn had prepared a bid for a building that Sabri wanted (301 E Lake) - could this method of "problem solving" have been provided by Sabri in exchange for Selwyn withdrawing his competing bid (which he did)?? Star Tribune article: Birrell also indicated he may argue that Sabri was entrapped by the government. An entrapment defense attempts to excuse a defendant from legal liability when induced by government action into acts the defendant otherwise wouldn't have committed. David Piehl notes: Key: "Acts the defendant otherwise wouldn't have committed" Hard to prove since Sabri has a history of buying influence wherever he can - at CNIA, one board member was promised a new roof (declined), another backing to run for city council (declined), office space, and two board members even received jobs with his business. Star Tribune article: Birrell also moved to exclude a statement by Sabri taken by FBI agents during an interrogation the day Herron pleaded guilty. Birrell said that the interrogation required a Miranda warning -- which he said was not given -- because although Sabri was not under arrest, the agents tried to intimidate him in a manner suggesting custody. Sabri's lawyer also asked for a postponement of the scheduled Oct. 29 trial date, and for the exclusion of evidence gained from a search of Sabri's Lake Street office and his Shorewood home. He argued that the search warrant was overly broad and that an accompanying affidavit by federal agents gave no information connecting Sabri's alleged crime to his home. David Piehl notes: Exclude evidence? Overly broad search warrent? This doesn't even require commentary!! I also find it interesting that Sabri's lawyer is bringing up all of these issues right when FBI investigators are in short supply - an opportunist to the end! Thanks to Steve Brandt for reporting Birrell's statements I'm still waiting to hear more about the other council member's alleged involvement. David Piehl Central/8th Ward ______________________________________________________________________ The information contained in this message is private and confidential information which may also be subject to the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine. This information is intended only for the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copy of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail and destroy all copies of the message. Thank you. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
