Appeals court rules that second case against Rigases might be double jeopardy
By APWednesday, October 21, 2009
Court: Rigas case might be double jeopardy
PHILADELPHIA — The imprisoned founder of Adelphia Communications Corp. and his son are closer to avoiding a second federal fraud trial.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia agreed Wednesday with the Rigases that it might be double jeopardy to subject them to a trial in Pennsylvania.
It said a lower court judge can reconsider conspiracy charges and rule on the double jeopardy issue.
Rigas attorney Lawrence McMichael called it a “very good win for the Rigases.”
Adelphia founder John Rigas is serving 12 years in prison and Timothy Rigas, once Adelphia’s chief financial officer, is serving 17 years in prison. They were convicted at a 2004 New York trial of conspiracy and related charges.
Prosecutors said they used Adelphia like a piggy bank.
