TRAFICANT CASE Web site solicits legal defense funds
CANFIELD -- A legal defense fund Web site has been established for U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., who is described on the site as "patriotic and honorable."
The Web site -- www.traficantlegaldefensefund.com -- doesn't mention that Traficant, of Poland, D-17th, was found guilty two months ago of 10 counts including racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion.
The site simply asks that money be sent to Post Office Box 647 in Canfield. No phone number is listed and no name is identified with the site.
Traficant was not available to comment, said Claire Maluso, a staff member at the congressman's office in the U.S. District Court building in downtown Youngstown. Traficant was attending a meeting, she said Thursday.
Maluso said she was not aware of the defense fund Web site.
She said Robert Barlow, Traficant's campaign treasurer, is aware of the legal defense fund. He could not be reached.
The convicted congressman has not been in Washington, D.C., since January. His trial in federal court began Feb. 5 and ended April 11, when the jury found him guilty.
House action
The House ethics committee has launched its own investigation, the first step required to expel him from office. Traficant has said he wants any ethics committee hearings open to the public.
Traficant, who defended himself during his 10-week trial in Cleveland, has recently retained several lawyers.
The congressman is using two Columbus attorneys to challenge the jury selection process as a means of getting a new trial. He also has used the services of Youngstown attorney Mark S. Colucci.
On Monday, Cleveland attorney Richard E. Hackerd filed a motion seeking a 60-day delay in Traficant's sentencing, now set for June 27.
Hackerd said in his motion that he needs time to prepare for Traficant's sentencing. The trial transcript is more than 6,000 pages and there is a presentence report that Hackerd must review.
U.S. District Judge Lesley Brooks Wells, who presided over the trial, will consider Hackerd's request and any motion the government may file before rendering a decision.
Traficant has said he will run as an independent in November's general election -- even if he's in a prison cell. He likely faces up to 10 years in prison.