Southeast : Moore Asks Judge to Dismiss Extortion, Tax Evasion Case
Attorneys for former Compton City Councilwoman Patricia Moore asked a federal judge on Monday to dismiss the extortion and tax evasion charges against her, claiming that federal prosecutors targeted her because she is African American.
Judge Consuelo Marshall postponed until later this month hearings on the accusations, including charges that prosecutors denied Moore legal representation and coerced a confession that she later withdrew.
Since her 25-count indictment by a federal grand jury in August, Moore has maintained that she was unfairly targeted in the sting that also led to the conviction of former Rep. Walter R. Tucker III.
Monday’s motions, however, represent her most specific accusations yet, and even name prosecutors whom her lawyers want dismissed from the case because of their dealings with Moore.
Both of the original prosecutors in the case deny the allegations.
Moore is accused of extorting more than $60,000 from a Compton businessman while she served on the City Council in 1991 and 1992.
The trial date has been set for May 21, but attorneys Thomas Mesereau and Cheryl Turner said they will ask that it be delayed so they can fully prepare for the case.
They are the fourth legal team to represent Moore in the case, the last of which withdrew because of health problems.
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