Chicago Lawyer Target of Federal Investigation

These are difficult days for Chicago attorney Beau Brindley.

The often colorful Brindley has been informed that he is the target of a criminal investigation, related to allegations that he may have suborned perjury in a drug case. On Wednesday, he watched as one judge advised a client that he may soon be testifying against Brindley, his own lawyer. Hours later, after being advised of the criminal probe, another client dumped Brindley, in favor of another attorney.

Brindley’s office was raided by the FBI July 7th, a virtually unprecedented intrusion into the normally sacrosanct territory of attorney-client privilege. Federal prosecutors appeared in court early Wednesday, advising convicted drug dealer Rahshone Burnett of the criminal investigation. Because the alleged perjury involved Burnett, he could potentially be called to testify against his attorney, creating a clear conflict of interest.

Later Wednesday, convicted gun trafficker David Lewisbey replaced Brindley in open court, after being apprised of his attorney’s woes.

“Mr. Brindley was recently notified that he is a target of a federal criminal investigation,” says a motion recently filed in Burnett’s case. “A ‘target’ is a person as to whom the prosecutor or the grand jury has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime…”

“The United States is requesting, in matters involving Mr. Brindley still pending before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, that the district court address with Mr. Brindle’s clients any potential conflict of interest,” the motion continues. “The United States brings this matter to the Court’s attention in the exercise of its duty of candor to the court.”

Brindley is a well-known attorney who has represented numerous high profile clients, including escaped bank robber Joseph Banks, and convicted mob bomber Samuel Volpendesto . He currently has dozens of cases pending at the district and appellate level, and court insiders say all of those clients will be advised of his current legal woes.

Outside court, Brindley declined comment on his legal woes, referring inquiries to his lawyer Cindy Giacchetti. She did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
 

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