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Ian N. Friedman in The Plain Dealer, Makes Closing Statements in Ben Suarez Case

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On June 26, 2014, Attorney Ian Friedman's case was featured in an article in The Plain Dealer entitled, "Ben Suarez made costly mistake, defense attorney says.

In closing statements on Thursday, Attorney Friedman argued that if Ben Suarez had known that he was committing a federal offense, then that would mean that he knowingly put his own family in harm's way.

Friedman's client, Ben Suarez, 72, is accused of breaking campaign finance laws by using the employees of his own company, Suarez Corporation Industries, as straw donors. Back in 2011, Suarez's own two daughters, along with other workers had made maximum contributions to the campaigns of Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel and U.S. Rep Jim Renacci, and SCI subsequently reimbursed the employees for their contributions.

Attorney Friedman is representing SCI, which is a direct marketing company based out of Canton. Michael Giorgio, SCI's former chief financial officer was a codefendant who pleaded guilty on May 19.

According to Friedman, Suarez had asked Giorgio to find out if SCI's top earners were willing to donate, and he approved early profit sharing for those workers who couldn't afford to donate. He said that Giorgio was a task-oriented individual who wasn't interested in politics and would do what his boss wanted him to do.

"Ben Suarez did make a mistake…This was a costly mistake," said Friedman.

Friedman argued that Suarez and Giorgio never entered into a criminal conspiracy, and that it was not their intention to break the law. Friedman said that if they had, then why would Giorgio have his wife contribute as well?

Mocking the charges, Friedman said, "He made the decision to hurt his wife…And Ben put his own children in harm's way."

While SCI is being accused of obstruction of justice, Friedman drew attention to how the company had done its best to comply with four grand jury subpoenas, even going so far to hire outside counsel.

Friedman said that if you're going to obstruct, then you're going to hide and discard, you're not going to hire a former FBI agent at any stage of the game.

Soon, the federal prosecutors will be giving their rebuttal before the case is handed off to the jury to decide.

Are you interested in speaking with Attorney Friedman regarding your criminal case? Attorney Friedman has built a reputation for diligence and success. He is selected for inclusion in Ohio's Super Lawyers®, he is named to Northeast Ohio's Leading Lawyer's list, and he has received Lawyer of the Year and the Champion of Justice Award from OACDL.

He is wholeheartedly committed to his clients' success and has a fight to win attitude in all of his cases. You can trust Attorney Friedman to defend your rights, your future and your freedom. Contact our office to meet with Attorney Friedman in a free case evaluation!

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