(VitalNews.org) – Once hailed as “America’s Mayor,” Rudy Giuliani suggested to the court it should see that he gave everything he could give in order to avoid being imprisoned for defying a court order in a $148 million defamation case.
The former Trump lawyer’s legal woes stem from his unwavering support of election integrity claims as he battles against what his attorney calls a “political vendetta” aimed at destroying him.
A federal judge has ordered Giuliani to appear at a contempt hearing on January 3, 2025, due to his alleged failure to turn over assets in the massive defamation judgment.
The case revolves around Giuliani’s accusations of ballot tampering against Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss during the contentious 2020 election.
Judge Lewis J. Liman, clearly concerned about Giuliani’s compliance with court orders, has set the stage for a showdown that could result in severe penalties for the former New York City mayor.
The assets in question include a New York apartment lease, a Mercedes-Benz, luxury watches, and even a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt – items that represent the vestiges of Giuliani’s once-celebrated career.
However, Giuliani maintains his innocence and compliance with the court’s directives.
“I respectfully submit that the items which I was required to turn over, I turned over. The Court should see that I gave everything that I could give,” he stated in his defense.
He further emphasized, “I have not intentionally or willfully disobeyed any of this Court’s orders or Plaintiffs’ discovery demands. If any documents were not produced by me, it was because I did not possess them or was unable to locate them.”
These claims of financial hardship paint a stark picture of Giuliani’s current situation, a far cry from his days as a celebrated prosecutor and political figure.
His attorney, Joseph Cammarata, has accused the election workers’ counsel of engaging in “lawfare” against Giuliani, stating bluntly, “Their mission is to destroy Mayor Giuliani.”
In addition to this complex case, Giuliani argued that the workers were not legally entitled to his property as they failed to file an oath required under state law.
This technicality could work in Giuliani’s favor, as his legal team believes he will eventually win custody of the disputed items on appeal.
The contempt hearing follows a contentious November hearing in which Giuliani, clearly frustrated, accused the judge of unfair treatment.
“The implication I’ve been not diligent about it is totally incorrect,” Giuliani asserted. The implication you make is against me, and every implication against me is wrong.”
As the legal drama unfolds, Giuliani’s stakes are high. The January 3 hearing will determine potential penalties for his alleged noncompliance, which could include substantial fines or even imprisonment.
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