SIMI VALLEY : Elys Drop Request for New Attorneys
Trustee James T. (Tom) Ely and his wife, Ingrid--who were convicted in June of fraud and embezzlement from the Ventura County Community College District--have dropped their request for new attorneys even though they said they were not adequately represented during their trial.
In a memo to Judge Lawrence Storch, Deputy Public Defender Neil B. Quinn said he advised Tom Ely that he could raise his concerns about his attorney, James Matthew Farley, if he appealed the case. As a result, the Elys decided to proceed with their original lawyers. Ingrid Ely also has said she was not happy with her attorney, Willard P. Wiksell.
The Simi Valley couple are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 3.
After a court hearing Friday, Tom Ely said he is confident that Storch will throw out the convictions.
“When it comes time, the judge will dismiss the foolishness,” Ely said.
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