DEVELOPMENTS IN KOPP TRIAL

BUFFALO, September 25, 2002 (LSN.ca) – U.S. prosecutors made a curious change of tack this week, seeking to move the trial of two pro-life supporters of James C. Kopp to New York City instead of Buffalo. In Buffalo, they dropped charges against against Loretta Marra and Dennis Malvasi of Brooklyn (accused of helping Kopp to escape from the FBI), and filed new, less serious charges in New York that are expected to end in a plea bargain.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen M. Mehltretter said the actions were taken to prevent Kopp from learning anything about his accusers. A trial in Buffalo now, she said, would force public disclosure of key witnesses and evidence that could help Kopp’s defence.  In another recent development, prosecutors disclosed last week that five people viewed a heavily-disguised Kopp in a police lineup on August 29, prompting Erie County Judge Michael L. D’Amico to order prosecutors to explain why they refused to give Kopp’s defense team the people’s names. Without ruling on related defense complaints of violations of due process and other constitutional rights, D’Amico scheduled a hearing for October 17 on the eyewitness/lineup issue.  LifeSite has reported that during the Aug. 29 police lineup, at least one witness identified Kopp but that at least one other witness was unable to. D’Amico noted that “sooner or later, and probably sooner, the defense has to know” who is pointing an accusing finger at Kopp.  To follow coverage in the Buffalo News see:  https://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020924/1009085.asp and https://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020917/1041851.asp   For previous LifeSite coverage see:  KOPP LAWYERS REPEAT BIAS CLAIM AFTER POLICE LINE-UP https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/sep/02090403.html