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General News of Monday, 1 March 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Hushpuppi hires top ex-government lawyer to represent him

Embattled Instagram celebrity Ramon Abass, also known as Hushpuppi Embattled Instagram celebrity Ramon Abass, also known as Hushpuppi

Embattled Instagram celebrity Ramon Abass, also known as Hushpuppi has hired the service of a top-rated criminal defense lawyer, Loius Shapiro to represent him at his trial following the resignation of Gal Pissetzky and Vicki Podberesky, his former attorneys.

Hushpuppi, who was arrested in rambo style by the police in Dubai is facing fraud-related and money laundering charges in the United States.

Gal Pissetzky and Vicki Podberesky reportedly withdrew from the case after months of negotiations with the U.S. government.

Recall that Mr Pissetzky, a top Chicago lawyer was initially hired to defend the 37-year-old but was later retained as a record counsel due to the transfer of Mr. Abass to Los Angeles and the lawyer’s inability to practice outside Chicago. As a result, Ms Podberesky, a California-based criminal defense lawyer, was hired as his local council, Gistmania reports.

In the application dated January 21, Mr Pissetzky, who claimed to have been negotiating with the government over the case, said Mr Abass suddenly stopped communicating with him.

“Since Mr Abbas’ arrest and arrival in the Central District of California, I have received voluminous discovery from the government and have been diligently reviewing it and investigating the allegations in this matter.

“My communications with Mr Abbas are by telephone given my inability to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles due to the pandemic. Ms Podberesky, as local counsel, has made several visits to see Mr Abbas at the Santa Ana Jail and has also communicated with him by telephone,” he said.

Their request was, however, granted on February 22 and an order was issued in that regard.