Defense seeks mistrial due to enhanced courtroom security in federal drug case
Following claims of witness intimidation, security has been enhanced as three defendants are tried in a federal court in Buffalo, New York, in a drug-trafficking case.
Six U.S. marshals are near the three defendants, two are stationed at the courtroom door and another is patrolling the hallway, reports the Buffalo News.
But the increased security has prompted a request for a mistrial by lawyers for defendants Thamud Eldridge, Kevin Allen and Galen Rose. They question whether any witness intimidation has occurred, since the government has offered little specific information, and say the courtroom atmosphere is prejudicing their clients’ right to a fair trial.
A mistrial motion also says family and friends of the defendants are being monitored and questioned simply because they are attending the trial. It cites an incident in which a lead prosecutor told a relative of one defendant on Friday, “You better not be tampering with witnesses.”
Exiting the courtroom, the man said, “Those are serious allegations. I’m not on trial. I have no interest in this.”
An earlier Buffalo News story provides additional details about the case.
