Opinion ID: 411267
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Mr. Pollack

Text: 3 It is possible that an unindicted co-conspirator representing an indicted co-conspirator could operate under such a conflict of interest that his client would not be effectively represented. But a careful review of the record shows that such is not the case here. 4 Four attorneys from two firms participated in various phases of the petitioner's defense; Mr. Varon and Mr. Stahl of one firm, and Mr. Pollack and Mr. Komorowski of the other. Of the four, the role of Mr. Varon was preeminent. At the arraignment, Mr. Stahl (of Varon's firm) was listed as counsel of record. From then on, Mr. Varon clearly handled and directed the defense. Mr. Varon prepared numerous motions, petitions, memoranda, notices and responses. Mr. Varon appeared and conducted the defense at a pre-trial hearing on the defendant's motion to suppress evidence that both sides conceded was the deciding issue in the case. When the court asked at this hearing who intended to represent the defendant at trial, Mr. Varon responded I am going to try it, because I have been in this case from the very beginning. At an earlier hearing, Mr. Komorowski appeared and stated that he and Mr. Varon were handling the case and nobody else from either firm is responsible for this case except the two of us. At trial, the government introduced twenty witnesses. Mr. Pollack cross-examined one witness extensively and another very briefly. Mr. Pollack examined one witness for the defense. Mr. Varon, however, cross-examined all other witnesses, made every objection on behalf of the defense, and made and argued all motions to the court. Mr. Varon also prepared and signed several post-trial motions for the defendant and appeared with Mr. Komorowski at Mr. Panasuk's sentencing. 5 It should be noted that both the government and the defense agree that the motion to suppress evidence of the crimes was Mr. Panasuk's only chance for acquittal. Both sides also agree that Mr. Varon alone handled that motion both in its preparation and at the hearing on that issue. The trial was merely a pro forma proceeding to preserve the suppression of evidence issue for appeal. 2 There is no suggestion that Mr. Pollack was even involved in the proceeding that in fact was dispositive of the whole case, i.e., the hearing on the motion to suppress evidence. 6 These facts fully support the conclusion of the District Judge that Mr. Varon, not Mr. Pollack, represented the appellant. His conclusion that any conflict of interest on Mr. Pollack's part had no effect on the appellant's defense is correct.