US lawyers dump Hushpuppi

Nigerian Gucci Lord, Ramon Abbas also called Hushpuppi has suffered a set back in his trial as his lawyers have applied to withdraw from the case.

Gal Pissetzky and Vicki Podberesky filed a motion at the United States District Court in California to withdraw from representing Mr Abbas.However, Hushpuppi has seized contacting them and has hired a new lawyer.

Mr Pissetzky in an application filed on January 21st said:

“Since Mr Abbas’ arrest and arrival in the Central District of California, I have received voluminous discovery from the government and have been diligently reviewing it and investigating the allegations in this matter.

“My communications with Mr Abbas are by telephone given my inability to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles due to the pandemic. Ms. Podberesky, as local counsel, has made several visits to see Mr Abbas at the Santa Ana Jail and has also communicated with him by telephone.”

“I, through Ms. Podberesky, have provided Mr Abbas with a copy of the discovery, reviewed it with him, and had numerous conferences with Mr Abbas telephonically, and Ms Podberesky has also met with him in-person to discuss the case. We discussed with Mr Abbas the potential theories that might be available to him at trial, pre-trial motions, the sentencing guidelines and the potential of a plea agreement.”

“After months of discussions with Mr. Abbas and negotiations with the government, Mr Abbas now refuses to effectively communicate with me.”

“I have made numerous attempts through family and jail staff to have Mr Abbas call me to discuss critical issues. Mr Abbas, however, has not communicated with me. Both family and jail staff have told me that they have conveyed my messages to Mr Abbas to call me.”

Mr Pissetzky revealed that his client called him on January 21st, notifying him of his new lawyer.

The lawyers’ application from withdrawal will be heard by the court on Feb 22nd, meanwhile there’s an ongoing rumour that Hushpuppi’s new attorney is a criminal defense lawyer.