Calabasas Man Jailed for Refusing to Testify, Despite Immunity

A Calabasas man has been jailed on a civil contempt charge after he refused to testify before a federal grand jury investigating organized crime in Los Angeles.

Morton J. Goodman, 50, was taken into custody Thursday after U. S. District Judge William D. Keller found him to be in contempt of court.

Goodman has been granted immunity for his testimony, according to federal prosecutor Ariadne Symons. He was quoted earlier as saying he would not testify against a friend of his who he believes is a target of the investigation.

Goodman, who was sent to Terminal Island federal prison, could be held until the grand jury’s term expires. The jury is scheduled to serve through December, but its tenure could be extended, Symons said.

Symons, citing the secrecy of the jury’s actions, would say only that the panel is looking into allegations of wire fraud, conspiracy and fraudulent credit transactions. She refused to name the individuals under investigation.

Goodman’s attorney, James Twitty, said Friday that he does not know his client’s reasons for refusing to testify.

“I don’t believe his testimony would hurt anyone,” Twitty said. “I don’t think he knows anything incriminating.”