Defense in Fleiss Trial Expected to Call Its Final Witnesses Today
The defense in the federal money-laundering and tax evasion trial of Heidi Fleiss in Los Angeles is expected to call its final witnesses today, but the Hollywood madam is not expected to be one of them.
Defense lawyers announced that they will call only two witnesses, including Fleiss’ older sister, Kim, when the trial resumes after a one-day delay.
Previously, defense attorneys had suggested that Heidi Fleiss might testify to defend herself against charges that she underreported income on her 1992 tax return, laundered money earned from her call-girl ring and filed a false loan application.
Fleiss, 29, is appealing a conviction on state pandering charges for providing prostitutes to Hollywood stars, entertainment industry executives and wealthy businessmen.
After the jury was dismissed for the day, attorneys for both sides met to hammer out the instructions the judge will read to the panel before they begin deliberations.
The other scheduled witness is Jessica Cornfeld, the 18-year-old daughter of the late financier Bernie Cornfeld, a onetime boyfriend of Fleiss who the defense claims gave her lavish gifts, including large amounts of cash and a classic Mustang.
With the government planning little or no rebuttal case, closing arguments are scheduled for Friday.
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