Rigases Seek Dismissal Of Tax Case, Claim Double Jeopardy

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Nearly two years have passed since Coudersport businessman John Rigas and his son, Tim, reported to federal prison to serve long sentences for defrauding Adelphia Communications Corp. The Rigases continue to maintain their innocence as they fight for their freedom.

This week, a U.S. appeals court in Philadelphia heard arguments over a petition by the Rigases to dismiss their tax indictments. Defense lawyer Lawrence McMichael argued that the government is, in effect, seeking to try the defendants twice for the same crime, which denies them their constitution rights against double jeopardy.

If the appeal fails, the Rigases could be subject to another trial on tax evasion and related charges. John Rigas, 84, is serving 12 years and Tim, 53, is serving 17 years. They’re both being held in the minimum-security federal penitentiary at Butner, N.C.

Prosecutors are claiming that the two should be criminally prosecuted for failing to pay taxes on $1.9 billion in ill-gotten gains.