Snipes can get a fair trial, court is told

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 21, 2007

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ORLANDO

Federal prosecutors said there is "no basis in reality" for Wesley Snipes' claims he cannot get a fair trial on tax evasion charges because of racial prejudice in the area. Snipes' attorney last week called Ocala, where the January trial is set, "a hotbed of (Ku Klux Klan) activity" in court filings. His attorney alleged prosecutors chose it to get the best chance at an all-white jury. "Defendant Snipes' motion hurls scurrilous and baseless accusations at the prosecution and citizenry of Ocala," U.S. Attorney Robert O'Neill wrote in a Monday filing, "in an overwrought attempt to have this case dismissed or transferred to another venue." Snipes is accused of fraudulently claiming refunds totaling almost $12-million in 1996 and 1997 for income taxes already paid. The 45-year-old star of the Blade trilogy and other films also was charged with failure to file returns from 1999 through 2004.

MIAMI

Soldier from Miami is killed in Iraq

A Miami man was among three soldiers killed by an improvised explosive device while giving toys to children in Baqouba, Iraq, on Sunday. Killed along with Pfc. Marius Ferrero, 23, of Miami were Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson, 22, of Rochester, Wash., and Cpl. Jason T. Lee, 26, of Fruitport, Mich., the Army said Tuesday. All were members of the 2nd Infantry Division.

FORT LAUDERDALE

2 buses carrying 80 students crash

Two buses carrying more than 80 students crashed in Broward County, but none of the students appeared to be seriously injured. Sheriff's officials say 15 students and one adult are being treated at local hospitals with minor injuries. The crash happened on Alligator Alley in West Broward County.