Burman, Critton, Luttier & Coleman LLP News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Judge Dismisses Claims of Racketeering Brought Against Stuart-based Attorney Willie Gary by Former Secretary
West Palm Beach, FL – Martin County Circuit Judge Elizabeth Metzger dismissed claims this week against Stuart-based attorney Willie Gary, who was accused of racketeering and rape by his former secretary in 2007.
The lawsuit claimed Mr. Gary had raped her and a number of other women. The plaintiff, Jillian Need, alleged that his behavior and sexual misconduct violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, or RICO.
“We are thrilled with the ruling,” said Gary’s attorney Michael Pike, of the West Palm Beach law firm Burman, Critton, Luttier & Coleman. “The judge made a ruling that consistent with the law within the state of Florida and the United States.”
RICO law requires claims to establish a pattern of criminal activity, and Judge Metzger ruled that Nedd’s charges failed to establish this pattern.
The RICO Act establishes penalties for criminal acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. The judge ruled that the misconduct claims in the lawsuit involved incidents with six different women that were unrelated to Nedd and occurred under different circumstances. Additionally, Nedd and her attorneys did not prove that she suffered direct injuries as a result of Gary’s alleged misconduct.
“Michael Pike and Bob Critton say they will now seek fees against Jillian Nedd and her attorneys for having to defend the RICO allegations. The fees could exceed $100,000.00”.
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To learn more about the ruling contact Willie Gary’s attorneys Robert D. Critton Jr. or Michael Pike with the West Palm Beach based law firm of Burman, Critton, Luttier & Coleman. Our firm handles cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, complex commercial litigation, employment law, domestic relations and more. For more information about this case or our law firm, please contact our offices at (561) 842-2820 or visit us online at www.bclclaw.com.