Risoldi held for trial on all charges
After more than six days of testimony at a preliminary hearing in
Defense attorneys had spent hours Wednesday morning arguing that the racketeering charge was "beyond a stretch," and that
A conviction on that charge alone carries a maximum jail term of 20 years.
Prosecutors called about 20 witnesses to support their contention that the Risoldi family and two others conspired to collect inflated insurance payments after three fires in five years at the family's
Disagreements over the merits of those charges boiled over Wednesday morning before Roth delivered his decision.
McMonagle also accused prosecutors of ruining the family's lives with trumped-up allegations, and invoked the name of
"Sometimes it can go too far," McMonagle said while staring at prosecutors.
"It is such complete and utter garbage that she is here," Maran said at one point.
Roth apparently disagreed.
The judge, of
Roth did dismiss some lesser counts against Risoldi's family members, including forgery and obstruction of justice. He also threw out the racketeering charge that had been leveled against the family's private investigator,
The charges against fabric vendor
After Roth announced his decision, the Risoldis sat quietly and without a visible reaction behind their attorneys.
They decliend to comment on their way out of the courtroom.
A jury conviction requires a higher standard of proof, he said, leading him to believe that "this case will look significantly different at trial."
Prosecutors simply said they were pleased with the judge's decision and were ready to take the matter to a jury.
"We look forward to the upcoming trial," said
A hearing is scheduled later this month to determine whether prosecutors can keep the family's assets frozen pending the outcome of the case.
And the Risoldis are now due in court next month for a formal arraingment.
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