Bail Bond Company Says Wesley Snipes May Flee
The failure of actor Wesley Snipes to call any defense witnesses at his tax fraud trial surprised pundits—and the company responsible for his $1 million bail bond.
American Bankers Insurance Co. of Florida cites the legal move as evidence that the actor is likely to flee the country if he is convicted of tax charges, the Ocala Star-Banner reports. The company says it can’t guarantee Snipes will appear in court if convicted and seeks to be released from the bond.
The company says Snipes’ failure to put on any witnesses indicates he has given up on the court system.
“Snipes’ waiver of defenses indicates more than a lack of resolve,” the company’s motion said. “It can easily be inferred that the defendant has no faith in the judicial system and is an unwilling participant. … Any appeal is likely for purpose of delay in order to allow the defendant to flee.”
Senior U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges denied the motion because it was not signed by the proper person.
Jurors ended their second day of deliberations yesterday without reaching a verdict. On Wednesday jurors asked the judge to clarify the meaning of the word conspiracy. Hodges advised the jury to refer back to his original instructions.
