Jerome Ballarotto, who was listed as Giorgianni's attorney, would neither confirm nor deny he was still representing the steak shop owner.
In a file photo, Ralphiel Mack, brother of Trenton Mayor Tony Mack, addresses the football team at Trenton Central High School, which he formerly coached. Mack's attorney John Hartmann said he has dropped Mack as a client, citing the expenses of mounting a defense against a federal case.
TRENTON — The defense team in the federal corruption case targeting Trenton City Hall has run into difficulties, with one attorney saying he has dropped his client and another refusing to say if he is still working on the case.
The changes come ahead of an arraignment scheduled for Wednesday of Mayor Tony Mack, his brother Ralphiel Mack and campaign supporter Joseph "Jojo" Giorgianni.
Attorney John Hartmann said today he is no longer representing Ralphiel Mack, partially due to the staggering financial cost of mounting a defense against federal prosecution.
“The fees associated with a federal case are tremendous,” Hartmann said.
And Jerome Ballarotto, who was listed as Giorgianni's attorney, would neither confirm nor deny he was still representing the steak shop owner.
“I’m not going to make any comment on that right now,” Ballarotto said today.
Mayor Mack is represented by Hamilton attorney Mark Davis.
The Macks and Giorgianni were arrested Sept. 10 following a two-year FBI investigation of bribes they allegedly accepted in exchange for assistaing a downtown parking garage project. Indictments were handed down Dec. 6.
Ralphiel Mack was suspended from his job as a counselor for the Trenton public schools and as Trenton Central High School's head football coach shortly after his arrest.
Complete coverage of the Mack case by The Times of Trenton:
• Trenton Mayor Tony Mack unveils $4,000 bust of President Barack Obama
• Trenton Mayor Tony Mack says meeting where residents stormed his office went "very well"
• Trenton Mayor Tony Mack's 'Ask the Mayor' meeting sparks confrontation, police called
• Gov. Chris Christie says indicted Trenton Mayor Tony Mack should resign
• A week after federal indictment, Trenton Mayor Tony Mack to unveil bust of President Obama
• Trenton Mayor Tony Mack back on the job, one day after corruption indictment
• Legislators, officials react to Trenton Mayor Tony Mack indictment
• Trenton Mayor Tony Mack is indicted on federal corruption charges
• Editorial: Indicted Trenton Mayor Tony Mack must resign now as city continues to struggle
• Trenton Mayor Tony Mack's lawyer says Mack will not take plea deal