Failed jihadist Sami Osmakac’s family couldn’t manage the victimhood veneer or hide their aggression and hatred long enough even to get through his trial. “Tampa terror suspect’s lawyer wants off of case,” by Elaine Silvestrini for the Tampa Tribune, July 3 (thanks to David):
TAMPA — A lawyer for a man accused of plotting a terror attack in Tampa wants off the case, partly because he says the suspect’s family has threatened him.
Sami Osmakac, a naturalized citizen from Kosovo, could receive a sentence of up to life in prison if he is convicted on federal charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and possession of an unregistered machine gun. He is scheduled to go on trial in August.
Osmakac was arrested in January as part of an undercover sting by the FBI after authorities said he planned to attack a populated Tampa night spot, then take hostages and demand the release of Muslim prisoners.
Last month, the defendant tried to fire his lawyers, Charles Vaughn and Paul Militello, who said they differ with their client on how to handle his defense. They said Osmakac didn’t like what they told him about the case. Evidence includes nearly 60 audio and video recordings, some of which are several hours long, lawyers have said.
U.S. District Judge Mary Scrivenon on June 15 denied motions by Militello and Vaughn to withdraw from the case. The judge said then Osmakac told her he was trying to hire another lawyer. She said if a new lawyer notified the court within two weeks, she would release Militello and Vaughn. But the deadline came and went without the appearance of a new lawyer.
On Monday, Vaughn filed another motion asking to be let out of the case. This time, Vaughn wrote that the attorneys and Osmakac “no longer communicate and the defendant’s family has now threatened counsel.”…