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Attorney change delays strawberry growers' hearing
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More from Other NewsThe Ventura residents, who formerly grew and sold strawberries, were arrested in December on 74 charges relating to how they raised money from investors for their strawberry operations in Oxnard and Santa Maria. The couple has pleaded not guilty to all charges filed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s office.
Earlier this month, Dennis’ public defender, Karen Beecher, asked to be removed from the case for unknown reasons. Oxnard attorney Joseph O’Neill, of Conflict Defense Associates, was appointed to replace her.
As standard practice, O’Neill said he has requested a bail review hearing at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Brenda’s attorney, Philip Capritto, has not requested a similar review. The Willinghams remain in Ventura County Jail on $250,000 bail each.
The Willinghams’ 2001 bankruptcy petition, which listed more than $36 million in debts to more than 700 individuals and groups, was dismissed earlier this year, opening them up to possible civil lawsuits from investors.
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