Judge denies Snipes' requests

A federal judge says his tax fraud trial will be in Ocala and will include his two co-defendants.

By KEVIN GRAHAM, Times Staff Writer
Published September 14, 2007

OCALA - A federal judge has denied actor Wesley Snipes' request to move his tax fraud trial from Ocala to New York City.

Senior U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges also denied Snipes' requests to have his trial separate from two co-defendants.

Prosecutors say Snipes tried to defraud the government of more than $11-million in income taxes. He has pleaded not guilty.

Hodges, who presides over cases at the federal courthouse in Ocala, issued his ruling last week.

Snipes says in court papers that it would be easier for his attorneys in Atlanta and Miami to fly to New York for court proceedings than a courthouse in Ocala.

"While the Ocala courthouse is not located in the immediate vicinity of a major airport, it is within one hour and a half driving distance from two international airports, (Tampa and Orlando), and is within a 45-minute driving distance from Gainesville Regional Airport, which has regular direct flights to and from Atlanta and Miami," the judge says in court papers. "As the government points out, these driving times are only slightly longer and, on some occasions may even be less, than the congested commute from New York airports to downtown Manhattan."

Snipes lives in California with his family and told the judge he has homes in New York where he could stay during a trial, without having to pay for lodging for him or his family. But the judge points out in his ruling that Snipes also has a home in the Orlando area, just south of Ocala.

"The court is therefore unswayed by defendant Snipes' contention that he will bear significant travel, lodging, and/or additional legal expenses, particularly in light of the fact that he is an affluent individual who travels frequently," Hodges said.

A trial is set for October.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 22:57:33]