Theft of Secured Property - $450,000.00 - Charges dismissed at Preliminary Hearing (Columbia County)

Clients are hard working farmers in Columbia County who were, in our opinion, taken advantage of by a local bank. The bank believed they had secured assets from the client in excess of $450,000.00. When the client sold the secured assets, the bank went to the police. Client then charged with felony level theft. We got involved after a call from the clients civil lawyers requesting our assistance. We got involved and the case ended before it started.

At the preliminary hearing the investigator testified regarding his knowledge of the facts. Attorney Corey Chirafisi then cross examined the investigator. After about 20 minutes later, the investigator admitted he did not know specific facts which would be required to prove an intent to defraud. The court stated that there was no probable cause based on the testimony of the investigator. Case over after the 2nd appearance.