Capozzola may file federal civil rights lawsuit – kesq.com

CA Jackson Sneddon LOS ANGELES A former Los Angeles prosecutor who now works as a defense lawyer says he may file a federal civil rights lawsuit against Santa Barbara County District Attorney Thomas Sneddon over his prosecution of Michael Jackson. Tony Capozzola also filed a similar – and unsuccessful – petition against Sneddon with the state Supreme Court. He maintains the entertainer hired him independently of Jackson’s main defense lawyer, Thomas Mesereau. At least two lawyers experienced with federal constitutional issues say Capozzola stands little chance of prevailing while a state trial is in progress. Loyola law professor Laurie Levenson says, “I don’t know what this lawyer is doing, but I don’t think he’s going to stop this train while it’s going down the track.” Last week, Mesereau fired one of his subordinate lawyers on the case. Mesereau declines to discuss Capozzola’s work on behalf of Jackson, citing a gag order. Capozzola also has written to Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley, urging him to prosecute the mother of Jackson’s alleged victim for welfare fraud. Source: http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3292450