Aric Cramer represented FLDS leader Kristal Dutson in court, defending her against the federal food stamp fraud and money laundering charges involving six FLDS leaders. Cramer said to the press that he didn't believe Dutson was guilty of any crime, but to avoid the risk of going to trial and having the possibility of a jury feeling like she was…
Read MoreAric Cramer, defense attorney for polygamist FLDS leaders accused of food stamp fraud in their fundamentalist community in rural Utah. Aric Cramer believes that while the food stamp fraud case has more to do with religion which has historically been an "easy whipping boy in Utah" and "they continue to pick on these folks." A trial date has been set…
Read MoreAn Arizona man accused of playing a role in the occupation of an Oregon wildlife refuge was quiet Friday as he sat in St. George’s federal court, displaying a reserve not as evident among demonstrators who vowed to give their lives if necessary to “throw off the overlordship of the federal government” during a 41-day armed standoff. Blaine Cooper, 36,…
Read MoreThree defendants accused of participating in a polygamous church conspiracy to defraud the United States government of millions of dollars in food welfare finances made initial appearances Wednesday morning in St. George’s federal court. Defense Attorney Aric Cramer said he met with a federal probation officer about Dutson’s background, noting she has no prior criminal history. “I anticipate they will…
Read MoreIn a federal court hearing Wednesday at the 5th District Court in St. George, three of 11 FLDS church leaders -- who were charged and arrested for conspiracy to commit SNAP benefit fraud and money laundering -- pleaded not guilty. In USA v. Kristal Dutson, the defendant financially qualified for a judge appointed public defender. Local attorney, Aric Cramer was…
Read More(KUTV) In a federal court hearing Wednesday at the 5th District Court in St. George, three of 11 FLDS church leaders -- who were charged and arrested for conspiracy to commit SNAP benefit fraud and money laundering -- pleaded not guilty. n USA v. Kristal Dutson, the defendant financially qualified for a judge appointed public defender. Local attorney, Aric Cramer…
Read MoreIn that hearing, Cooper confirmed his identity and also listened in while the judge and present attorneys discussed the indictment that had been filed by the state of Oregon. That indictment documents state that Blaine Cooper among others: "Did knowingly and willfully conspire and agree together and with each other and with persons known and unknown to the grand jury…
Read More“The position affords me a chance to speak to national issues from a Utah perspective,” Aric Cramer said. “NACDL has lobbyists on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, who take the policies of NACDL to Congress and the President. NACDL is currently putting together a policy statement on the use of police body camera that will have national significance. It also…
Read MoreDefense attorney Edward Flint and his co-counsel Aric Cramer asked 5th District Court Judge John Walton in August to determine if Joshua David Canfield is mentally competent to face a jury over charges including the murder of his neighbor, 58-year-old Geraldine Bommarito, as well as armed robbery and multiple counts of theft. In a motion filed with the court, Cramer…
Read MoreLudlow said he was concerned that Jones might be left without a defense attorney for a while because the IDF may not meet again until April to decide who will represent Jones. Ludlow appointed family law attorney Gary Kuhlmann to represent Jones on a conditional basis, since Kuhlmann has not had a prior conflict with the case. He also appointed…
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