Alleged fraudster Alexander Soofer, accused of stealing $23 million in taxpayer funds earmarked for the homeless, has joined an extended checklist of criminals defended by lawyer Michael G. Freedman.
Freedman appeared alongside the so-called charity boss in court docket on Monday. The lawyer has beforehand represented Invoice Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, who admitted stealing $17 million from the Dodgers star to repay playing money owed, The Put up has realized.
Cosby was represented by Freedman in 2022 whereas going through a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a youngster in 1975 on the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, in keeping with court docket filings.
The plaintiff, Judy Huth, stated she was 16 when Cosby lured her to a bed room and compelled himself on her.
A jury awarded Huth $500,000. The Freedman Agency later described the decision as a victory on its web site, saying Freedman defeated punitive damages claims following a month-long trial on Cosby’s behalf.
In 2023, Freedman was introduced on as lead counsel for Harvey Weinstein’s West Coast enchantment of his 16-year jail sentence for rape and sexual assault, in keeping with Selection. That enchantment stays pending.
Extra just lately, Freedman represented Ippei Mizuhara, the previous interpreter for Ohtani.
Mizuhara pleaded responsible to financial institution fraud and submitting a false tax return after stealing roughly $17 million from the 2024 Nationwide League MVP to cowl playing money owed. He was sentenced to 57 months in jail and ordered to pay $18 million in restitution.
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Freedman’s providers don’t come low cost. Authorized sources estimate his hourly price at $1,000 to $1,500. In 2024, he was additionally employed by Edwin Castro, the biggest Powerball winner in historical past.
Castro, who gained a $2.4 billion jackpot, was sued by Jose Rivera, who claimed the profitable ticket was his. The case was later dismissed, court docket information present.
Soofer appeared in court docket with Freedman whereas going through fees that he siphoned hundreds of thousands in taxpayer cash meant to fight homelessness to fund a lavish way of life that allegedly included a $7 million Westwood mansion, a $125,000 Vary Rover, and a keep on the 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, featured within the first season of HBO’s “The White Lotus.”
It stays unclear who’s paying for Soofer’s authorized protection. Requests for remark from Freedman’s workplace went unanswered.
After pleading not responsible, Soofer stayed near his lawyer as they exited a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. Freedman tried to dam photographers and stated there could be no additional remark.
Soofer faces as much as 37 years in jail if convicted.
