Al-Arian's Lawyers Bow Out Of Case

Published: Mar 4, 2006

TAMPA - If Sami Al-Arian is retried on nine charges of raising money for and supporting the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, he'll likely have new lawyers.

U.S. Magistrate Thomas B. McCoun granted a motion Friday that relieves Al-Arian's nationally acclaimed defense lawyer, William Moffitt, and his Tampa partner, Linda Moreno, of their responsibilities.

The reason they wanted out has not been disclosed. McCoun denied motions by The Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times to unseal Moffitt's motion, saying the public's right to know does not outweigh Al-Arian's right to a fair trial.

In granting Moffitt's motion, McCoun said Moffitt was paid, but the amount "was not that which the agreement called for and an outstanding balance" exists. He said Moffitt is considering medical procedures that could affect his availability for a new trial. He also noted "strained relations" between Al-Arian and his counsel.

In December, after six months of trial, Al-Arian was acquitted of eight charges. Jurors deadlocked on nine others. Federal prosecutors have not said definitively whether he will be retried.