For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 2 - 39

ethical obligation at the time was to refuse to disclose
any information about our clients. The PACDL member
asserted the attorney client privilege on the CTR. This was
met with displeasure by the Department of Justice and
the IRS. Our fellow member was served with a grand jury
subpoena in federal court.
The PACDL attorney reached out to Charlie Gelso,
Esquire, who was an extraordinary attorney and person.
Charlie represented the PACDL member for six years in this
sensitive matter culminating with an in-person meeting in
Washington, D.C. with the Attorney General Janet Reno
at the Department of Justice. The matter was resolved in
favor of the PACDL member.
After the six years and a favorable result, the PACDL
member asked Charlie, more than once, to send a bill for
services. Charlie, the professional and friend, ignored the
request. The PACDL member was relentless, he continued
to hound Charlie for a bill. Finally, Charlie relented and
sent an invoice. The invoice was for $67.62, representing
the cost of postage for the six-year odyssey.
Around the same time, one of our members was lead
counsel in a large money laundering and marijuana
distribution case in the federal court. The United States
Attorney moved to disqualify the lawyer based on a
conflict of interest. The conflict was that a " close family
member " of the attorney had been intercepted on a Title
III Wiretap in the case.
Many friends suggested to the lawyer to walk away from
the case; that it was too dangerous and too close to home.
The lawyer refused to do so, and a motion was filed asking
the federal judge to remove the attorney. He reached out
to his friend, Joshua Lock, for assistance. Joshua entered
the case and argued fiercely for two days. Ultimately, the
federal judge denied the motion to disqualify. Joshua's
advocacy on behalf of a fellow member was nothing short
of brilliant.
As you may imagine, the judge's ruling did not sit well
with the United States Attorney. A Target Letter was issued
to the lawyers' " close family member. " Enter, once again,
Charlie Gelso. Charlie entered the case for the family
member as a courtesy to his friend. The Target Letter was
withdrawn and no indictment against the " close family
member " was returned.
Please do not think that these cases are aberrational.
They are not. Every day our Lawyer Assistance Strike Force
is at work. You may need help someday or you may be
needed to help someone else.
The Lawyers Assistance Strike Force is on the side of
any member who is subject to a Motion to Disqualify, a
contempt proceeding or a grand jury subpoena seeking
attorney client information. I have heard the question
asked, " What do I get for being a member in PACDL? " One
of the many things is quality representation by committed
attorneys and a diligent organization who are willing to
Vol. 7, Issue 2 l For The Defense 39
For the Defense - Vol. 7, Issue 2

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