Manuel judge denies 2 motions

Manuel judge denies 2 motions



By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 01/13/09


A federal magistrate judge has denied two motions filed by attorneys representing suspended St. Johns County Commissioner Tom Manuel.

The first order by Judge Howard T. Snyder denies a motion filed by attorneys William Sheppard and D. Gray Thomas, both of Jacksonville, asking to be allowed to examine the devices used by the FBI to record Manuel's business meetings during the 18-month investigation.

"Mr. Manuel has not shown the necessity for such discovery," Snyder wrote.

He also quoted Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Savell's response to that request: "There is a significant law enforcement interest in not disclosing the techniques and devices used in a covert manner to investigate criminal activity."

The judge also denied Sheppard and Gray's motion asking to examine government logs or recorded conversations.

Snyder said the court had already ruled on this, denying an earlier motion.

"Further, the government represents the 'logs that the defendant requests do not exist.' Accordingly the motion is denied," he said.

Manuel was suspended from the County Commission in October after his indictment on two federal bribery counts.

He maintains his innocence and remains free on his own recognizance.

His trial is scheduled to begin April 6 at the federal courthouse in Jacksonville.


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