Black's lawyers reject false asset allegations
A lawyer for Conrad Black has denied prosecutors’ claims that the former newspaper tycoon gave them false and misleading information about the extent of his assets.
The Chicago court filing by Edward Genson came three days after US government lawyers said Black made “nondisclosures and misrepresentations” when he used his assets to post a $20m (€15.9m) bond last December, securing his freedom following his indictment on fraud and racketeering charges.
The prosecutors are seeking an order requiring the former Daily Telegraph owner to put up a larger bail bond or be jailed.
Mr Genson reiterated the defence’s contention that prosecutors’ allegations contained “half-truths”.
“Mr Black did not make any wilful misrepresentations in the forfeiture agreement,” he said.
US District Judge Amy St Eve has scheduled a hearing on the government’s application for Monday.
But with the value of Black’s holdings in question, Mr Genson asked that no bond ruling take effect for two weeks.
Black, who once headed the Hollinger International media empire, is scheduled to go to trial next March on charges he plundered millions of dollars from the company.
He pleaded not guilty and agreed to forfeit $20m (€15.9m) in assets if he fails to show up in court, including not just his Palm Beach home but $8.9m (€7m) in proceeds from the sale of his seized Park Avenue apartment in New York.
Among the government’s other points, it contended that Black’s wife, Barbara Amiel Black, was part owner of the Palm Beach property.
Mr Genson acknowledged that Black’s wife and three children have shares of stock in the corporation that owns the property, but said Black is the sole voting shareholder, giving him full control.
