HOT POTATO

 As reported by ace Miami Herald Reporter @Davidovalle305 the investigation into Attorney Michael Grieco's possible culpability in the scandal involving the payoff of witnesses against NY Giants 2019 first round pick Deandre Baker and Seattle Seahawks Corner Back Quinton Dunbar has become a hot potato that no prosecutor wants to investigate. To recap, Baker and Dubar were accused of robbery. Enter attorney Michael Grieco who advertises that he has a specialty in representing athletes (which sort of begs the question what class in law school teaches that? When facing a battery charge, use identity as a defense UNLESS your client is an athlete...).  On Tuesday the NY Football Giants released Baker. 

In any event, there was a meeting at Grieco's law office in which the complaining witnesses (Rumpole tip #9- never call the witness a victim- it legitimizes their allegations, even on a subconscious level) were paid $55,000.00 to sign affidavits exonerating the athletes. (Superstar representation 202- always do a pay-off on a private plane or the high seas, where jurisdiction is shaky). 

We have NO idea whether Mr. Grieco was involved. There is an allegation he walked our of his conference room where the cash was paid to the witnesses telling them to do whatever they needed to do. But nobody knows if that is true and Mr. Grieco has NOT been charged. He has been listed as a witness. 

But here's the rub: As per David Ovalle the Broward State Attorneys Office (Motto "Charge em all, let the jury sort it out") says they do not have jurisdiction because the payoff occurred in Dade. While we rarely agree with anything coming from the Kingdom of Injustice North Of the Border, and as much as it pains us to say this, this time they may be correct. The Dade State Attorneys Office,  which is shortly expected to release its close out memo on the 1933 attempted assassination of President elect Roosevelt  by Giuseppe  Zangara* (yes you millennials, that did happen, and no, there is no You Tube or Tik Tok video about it) has declined to investigate the case because they claim the case belongs to Broward. 

Well then, you might say, isn't this what the Statewide Prosecutor's office is designed to handle? Sure- but they do not want it. 

The investigation is a ....(wait for it) ... a hot potato 🥔 that no one wants. 

*Giuseppe  Zangara fired six shots at Roosevelt after he had concluded a speech in Bayfront park. The president elect was not wounded but Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak died after being shot in the stomach. In Rumpole's rules, successful presidential assassins have three names- John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, Charles Julius Guiteau (Pres. Garfield) Leon Frank Czolgosz (Pres. McKinley)  Unsuccessful assassins have two names- like Zangara and John Hinkley, Jr.  

GRIECO: I DIDN'T DO NUTTIN

While the case of former and embattled Miami Beach commissioner Michael Grieco is closed, he is maintaining his innocence as this Miami Herald Article reveals:

After a court appearance in which he did not admit guilt, Grieco told the Miami Herald he had no idea that two of his friends — Coconut Grove real estate broker Tony Rodriguez-Tellaheche and Norwegian millionaire Petter Smedvig Hagland — were planning to worm foreign money into his secretive political fundraising group. Only people with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency can contribute to American elections. Hagland, scion of a wealthy oil family, is a Norwegian citizen.

The only thing missing from the plea/denial dance that went on yesterday was Grieco calling the plea, the allegations, and the prosecution "fake news". 

From Occupied America, where Floatopia is most certainly not fake news, Fight The Power. Never admit. Never talk. Never plead. Go to trial. 

GRIECO CASE CLOSED

Observers reported that it was not that nearly dramatic, nor poignant, nor bittersweet, as Michael Grieco signed the rights waiver former and answered the plea colloquy questions from Judge Sam Slom in a clear and steady voice on Tuesday morning. Hours before arriving at court, Grieco, as required by his plea agreement, resigned as City Commissioner for Miami Beach, perhaps ending a promising political career. 
And perhaps not. 
Because adjudication was withheld, and all the plea agreement requires is that Grieco not run for office during the time he is on probation. 
Stranger things have happened. 

And perhaps with an eye to the future, Grieco sent out this email to his supporters. We just have one question: What is "Floatopia" and why did Grieco battle against it? 

A Letter From the Desk of Michael Grieco by Rumpole21 on Scribd

GRIECO TO PLEAD TO MISDEMEANOR

Former ASA, current criminal defense attorney and Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Grieco will plead guilty Tuesday to one misdemeanor count of a state campaign finance law. He will serve one year probation. 
The Herald went live with this story at about 9:45 pm:

One source with knowledge of the investigation said Grieco, a criminal defense attorney, will plead to one misdemeanor count of accepting a political donation disguised through a straw donor, a violation of state campaign finance law. As part of the plea deal, he will submit his resignation at City Hall on Tuesday morning before going to Miami-Dade criminal court. He will receive one year of probation during which time he will not be able to run for public office. Grieco will also pay the costs associated with the state attorney’s public corruption investigation.

Grieco, a former assistant state attorney, was investigated by the same office that once employed him. He resigned from the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office in 2006 after an ethical misstep — he was accused of using his position as the prosecutor on a high-profile case to promote his side job as a weekend nightclub disc jockey.

GRIECO NO SPEAKO

When embattled FORMER Miami-Beach Commissioner, and FORMER ASA, and putative REGJB irregular, Michael Grieco held a press conference and resigned his commission seat, he stationed a police officer in front of him, ostensibly to keep the press away. 

We would say this is Nixonian, except Nixon plotted against the press and other enemies in secret. It's actually a page from the current POTUS playbook, who used security thugs during the campaign to evict protesters from his rallies. 

Having resigned to spend more time on his health, family, and law practice, Grieco exited stage left. 

Of course, one could speculate that a deal with the SAO to wrap up their investigation would have included a requirement that he immediately resign from his office of public trust. 

But that is just speculation. 

For now. 

Politics is a nasty business. A pool full of sharks trying to rip your flesh from your bones- and those are your friends. 

From Occupied America, where deeper scandals pertaining to higher officials than Miami Beach City Commissioners lurk, Fight the Power!

GRIECO DROPS OUT OF COMMISSIONER'S RACE

Former ASA, REGJB irregular Michael Grieco has formerly ended his re-election bid as a City Of Miami Beach (Motto: "Soon to be underwater and loving it.") Commissioner. 

With confirmed State and possible federal investigations swirling around the beleaguered pol, what do you make of this development? 

There are several different ways to view this. But far be it from us to engage in unwarranted speculation.

In 1972, Senator George McGovern, having locked up the Democratic nomination, was looking for a VP candidate. Nixon, appearing unbeatable, frightened most of the top politicians away. Kennedy said no. So did Senators Humphrey, Muskie, and our fav- Birch Bayh. Bahstahn Mayor Kevin White accepted, but Ken Galbraith kaboshed it, threatening to walk the entire Massachusetts delegation out of the convention if that occurred.  

Finally George M settled on Missouri Senator Thomas Francis Eagleton. Who was a good pick EXCEPT....for his treatments and hospitalizations for chronic depression by psychiatrists- which at the time was akin to being a closet communist/transgender devil worshipping porn lover- politically speaking. Of course today, pretty much every chambers at the REGB has a bottle of Wellbutrin or the like tucked away in it. 

Having named Eagleton, McGovern had to stand by him, until Eagleton withdrew and Sergeant Shriver tried to bring a little Camelot to the campaign. 

Our point being, (and we have gotten a little lost here) is that people withdraw from political races for a whole host of reasons- from infidelity (Gary Hart in 1988 - who BTW was McGovern's campaign manager in 1972), to health (Eagleton), to pending criminal investigation, to just being an obnoxious jerk who tweets x-rated pictures to underage girls(Anthony Weiner who Monday was sentenced to 21 months in prison). 

From Occupied America, fight the power and remember- not only commissioners can resign from public office. Presidents can too. 

Coming Next: The Conscience of a Conservative. 

PUBLICITY

They say there's no such thing as bad publicity. 
But we're not so sure. 
Because this New Times Blog post about a City of Miami Beach Commissioner and REGJB lawyer  and former ASA is really a beat down. 

Are you a member of the media? Do you care about Justin Bieber? Of course you do. Silly question.

That's where I, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco, come in. Not only am I a former state prosecutor and defense attorney -- but I'm also available for comment. Right now. Call me. I know I told you last time that I'd only ask once. I was wrong. Whatevs. But, really, last time I'm asking: Let's talk Bieber. (Please.)

--XOXO Michael Grieco

And this isn't the first time this lawyer has gotten into a mess over relentless self-promotion over a case involving a celebrity. 

Just what is a "celebrity lawyer?" Can you register somewhere for the moniker? Do you sit in the office and turn away lucrative cases: "I'm sorry sir, I'd love to be your lawyer, but as you can see my practice is limited to celebrities and being on the front page of the local section of the Herald in handcuffs just doesn't cut it." 

What a joke. 

Enjoy your weekend. Super Bowl picks will be posted.