On Tuesday (Jan. 22), a pre-trial conference for the the federal racketeering and firearms case against 6ix9ine and his reported Nine Trey Gangsta co-defendants took place, and during the opening portion, the presiding judge ruled that the Tekashi’s lawyer, Lance Lazarro, would have to be removed from the case until a potential conflict of interest situation is explored.
The judge’s decision came after it was revealed that Lazzaro had represented Tekashi’s co-defendants, Faheem “Crippy” Walter and Kifano “Shotti” Jordan, before representing 6ix9ine in this particular case.
During the discussion, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer made it clear he was upset that Lazzaro hadn’t disclosed that information to court, as Lazzaro’s prior relationship with 6ix9ine’s co-defendants could constitute a conflict of interest.
For his part, Lazzaro explained that he’d represented Jordan in a a variety of cases between 2009 and 2015, before explaining that he’d represented Walter after Walter was charged with gang assault at a Manhattan restaurant in October 2018. He said he didn’t feel the matter was an issue.
After listening to Lazzaro’s explanation, Judge Engelmayer responded to the claim by saying that it wasn’t the attorney’s place to determine whether or not Lazzaro’s previous work for Jordan and Walter constituted a conflict of interest.
As a result, the judge ruled that Lazzaro wouldn’t be able to act as Tekashi’s lawyer until the Brooklyn-based attorney sends detailed letters detailing the extent of his previous dealings with Kifano and Walter. If these letters aren’t submitted by Mon., Jan. 28, or if it’s found that there’s a conflict of interest, Lazzaro could be permanently relieved of his role as Tekashi’s attorney for the case. Dawn Florio, who acts as Tekashi’s other lawyer in the case, still retains her role and would presumably continue doing so regardless of the hearing for Lazzaro.
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