Scruggs case update: Coghlan withdraws as Patterson attorney
Local attorney Kenneth H. Coghlan won’t be representing former state auditor Steven A. Patterson in his defense of federal judicial bribery charges, court records show Monday.
Patterson was indicted Nov. 28 with famed Oxford attorney Richard Scruggs, his son Zach Scruggs, New Albany attorney Timothy Balducci and Oxford attorney Sidney Backstrom. They are accused of trying to bribe Circuit Judge Henry Lackey of Calhoun County for a favorable ruling in a legal fees case.
The Scruggses, Patterson and Backstrom have pleaded not guilty.
Coghlan represented Patterson at his arraignment, but on Dec. 10 attorney Hiram Eastland Jr. of Greenwood informed the court he will be counsel for Patterson.
“In light of these developments,” Coghlan’s motion states, he asks the court to allow him to withdraw as counsel because Patterson’s attorney now is Eastland
NE MS Daily Journal
12/17/7
Hattip FOLO
Magnolia Tribune
