Silberman Defense to Get Informer Data

A federal judge ordered prosecutors Thursday to tell Richard T. Silberman’s defense lawyers about any “lenient and favorable” treatment accorded an FBI informer who played a key role in the probe that led to money-laundering charges against the San Diego financier.

In ordering the release, U.S. District Judge J. Lawrence Irving said that prosecutors have to divulge some of what they know about informer Robert Benjamin, a convicted felon. Irving also said he had asked U.S. marshals for their witness protection program file on Benjamin and expects to begin reviewing those documents by the end of the week.

But, Irving said, it does not appear that defense lawyers are entitled to learn everything prosecutors know about Benjamin because much of that information is not relevant to Silberman’s case.

Silberman, 61, who once served as a top aide to former Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., is standing trial on seven counts stemming from allegations that he laundered $300,000 that an undercover FBI agent portrayed as Colombian drug profits.

If convicted, Silberman faces up to 75 years in prison.

It was through Benjamin that Silberman was introduced to the undercover agent, according to prosecutors. Defense lawyers contend that Benjamin coerced Silberman into completing one of the central transactions in the case by threatening Silberman’s wife, San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding, and family.

Irving previously ordered prosecutors to disclose any payments the federal government made to Benjamin in connection with the Silberman investigation. In opening statements Wednesday, defense lawyer James J. Brosnahan said Benjamain was paid about $120,000--including rent and car payments--for his work in the case.

Court recessed early Thursday because of an ailing juror. The case was expected to resume today with further testimony by the undercover FBI agent, Peter Ahearn, who posed as Pete Carmassi, the representative of Colombian drug lords.