Connecting over 25 millions NRIs worldwide
Most trusted Name in the NRI media
NRI PEOPLE- OUR NETWORK
 
Anand Jon

 

The Inside Story of Prosecutor Misconduct in the Anand Jon Trial
Prosecution Defied A Court Order and Intercepted a Juror

February 27, 2009
International News Services / Los Angeles

“I’ve never seen anything like this in my 25+ years practicing law,” said Anand Jon defense attorney Leonard Levine. One thing is clear from the Anand Jon hearing on February 27, 2009 in Department 102 of the LA Criminal Courts Building in front of Honorable David S. Wesley, that Anand Jon did not get a fair trial. It’s also clear that at least one or more jurors contacted the defendant’s family more than once. That alone, according to the law, demands a new trial.

The question is, were these jurors trying to do the right thing since at least one admits during a special hearing that they wanted to vote not guilty on all counts but other jurors were ganging up in the jury room and pressuring some to vote against their will. Or were they up to something malicious like extortion? Were they reaching out to expose the lies and misconduct going on? Regardless of the reasons, according to case law there has to be a new trial.

[An important note: During deliberations in November, there was a special hearing held regarding these same jurors. One juror stated that others were ganging up in the jury room and pressuring others to vote against. One of the jurors requested to speak with the judge in private. What was going to be disclosed remains a mystery as private conversations with the judge are not allowed. As the deliberations dragged on, after 9 days the judge commented that it “looks like we’re heading for a mistrial.”]

The recently filed defense motions are currently under seal. However, pertinent clues to those motions were discussed in court. It would appear that the motions focus on misconduct by the juror and the prosecutor. “The motions are under seal and still cannot be discussed at this time,” said Leonard Levine. “We trust that the court will do the right thing by granting these motions. We are enthusiastic for a new trial for Anand Jon, a trial that will send an innocent man back home to his family.”

While Judge Wesley indicated that Anand Jon may get a new trial, the staggering abuse of power and prosecutorial misconduct practically demands not only a new trial but also the removal of the prosecution. There is substantial case law that has obviously been violated when the sanctity of the jury system itself has in any way, shape or form been influenced, contaminated or compromised – it automatically and immediately leads to a new trial.

“There is still a considerable amount of discovery that needs to be uncovered,” commented defense attorney Ronald Richards. On April 1, 2009 a full evidentiary hearing has been scheduled. What we do know for now is that at least one or more jurors were under surveillance and investigation with very suspicious activity during the trial. Despite a formal court order the prosecutor’s office intercepted a truth seeking process and intentionally sabotaged it.

"But for the District Attorneys blocking the door to justice…we would have found out why the juror contacted [the defendant’s sister]," Richards said at the news conference as reported in LAWeekly.

Defense attorneys Leonard Levine and (recently reinstated first attorney) Ronald Richards indicated the magnitude of the calculated move by the prosecution had essentially destroyed any chance of a fair trial and the truth coming out. Mara McIlvain, the prime character a majority of the misconduct seems to have repeatedly stemmed from indicated the decision came in from supervisors above. While this opens up a Pandora’s Box for the prosecution, even top-of-command can be subpoenaed. (This would be another unprecedented occurrence to have top district attorneys under oath, scrutinized for breaking the law.)

Ronald Richard stated “The D.A.'s office thwarted the defense's ability to get to the truth. We don't know how high up (in the prosecutor's office) it goes.” (as reported by MSNBC)

"At this point, nobody is immune from being called to the stand and explain what happened," said Judge Wesley [standing up for justice being equal for all / no one is above the law] as reported by MSNBC.

This would not be the first time Mara McIlvain has avoided any repercussions and shrugged off serious responsibilities upon others such as lead detective George Elwell of BHPD who was blamed entirely for the shamelessly tainted investigation that included witness coaxing, disappearing evidence, and destruction of exculpatory materials, personal bias and even racism. Elwell, in turn, under oath pointed fingers or at least tried to share the blame with the prosecution who he claimed he had given everything to and they in fact called the shots. In either case as the saying goes, the prosecutor and their investigators are “two cheeks of the same backside”.

The prosecution constantly and consistently lied to the courts, to the media, and to the world that these are naïve helpless, small-town girls, with no motives, and don’t know each other. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Even a preliminary overview of their disturbing lifestyle and pattern of behavior shows the following: a history of extortion, illegal drugs, work in the porn industry, past false allegations with other men, and criminal records including theft. Some continue to work as escorts and prostitutes to this day. Some of the girls got together tried to sell media stories. Some hired civil attorneys together. The prosecutors knew about all of this and kept it hidden. Prosecutors actually encouraged perjury on the stand. Many of these instances listed involved witness for the prosecution Holly Gavel. Many articles and blogs during the trial focused on Holly Gavel as the most severe and clear example of perjury that they had witnessed.

The prosecution and their press agents spent two years holding massive press conferences all the while courting each individual journalist. In light of these recent accusations of misconduct they have no comments. This shows hypocrisy and double standard.

During the February 27th proceeding it was also brought up that prosecution threatened one of the defense attorneys directly. Did they also threaten the juror? (Note: the Dept 102 case immediately following Anand Jon’s was thrown out due to prosecutor misconduct.) Is there a pattern emerging in the LA District Attorney’s office? Scare tactics. Intimidation. Manipulating defense attorneys and witnesses. And now jurors? Did these prosecutors deny an official court order? The court will be looking closer at the details of their actions.

Anand Jon has beaten 43 counts during this ordeal. The prosecution painted him in the media as a serial rapist, however, in the end they dropped over 50% of the charges against including all but one rape count. That sole rape count produced a negative rap kit result-there were no signs of trauma. Also important to note is that Anand Jon passed a lie detector test regarding the testimony from that same complaining witness.

Anand Jon’s uncle, Yesudas, the Frank Sinatra of India, recently discussed his nephew’s situation in the Times of India:

“Everyone realizes that the charges against Jon are malicious, false and fabricated. Most of the charges have been dropped. Yet, he continues to languish in the prison. I am saddened that the Indian community in the US has chosen to remain silent despite knowing that he’s a victim of racism and professional jealousies. Anand is a good boy,” he says.

Why does he think Anand is being targeted? “We all know how quickly Jon shot to fame on the strength of sheer talent and creativity. Just three days before he was incarcerated, he had received a plum offer, which would have put him in the topmost league. Obviously, there were people who couldn’t stomach the kind of fame, adulation and money that was coming Anand’s way,” he offers.

“I can’t question the justice system but my only prayer is that the judgement is based on truth. I want nothing to shake my faith in the basic goodness of human beings. If there is a God, we’ll know it. I only hope we can have our politicians, ministers, and the sizeable Indian community in the States rallying behind Jon,” he pleads.


“I will wait for the truth to come out and for justice” stated Anand Jon in court on Friday. This indication was spoken by a truly innocent man who is facing and beating incredible adversity and suffering with dignity while inspiring people of all colors to unite against the blatant abuse of power. You or your loved ones could be their next target. Demand a new trial for Anand Jon.

 


Anand Jon