Former San Diego City Councilman Michael Zucchet has been acquitted by a judge of most of the charges against him in the so-called stripper gate case. Judge Jeffrey Miller acquitted Zucchet of extortion and has ordered a new trial on the lesser charges of wire fraud. Zucchet and his family broke down in tears as the judge issued his ruling. KPBS Reporter Amitha Sharma was in the courtroom.
Michael Zucchet was relieved. He bowed his head. He just looked as if a huge weight had been lifted from him. His mother sobbed. I believe other family members also sobbed. His attorney hugged him after the judge was done reading his order and they all walked out. It is a surprise. There was some talk of the judge acquitting Michael Zucchet on only the extortion count, but letting the rest of the verdict stand, but he did not. He decided to acquit Michael Zucchet on all but two of the counts and again those two counts will probably go to a new jury. He has decided to give Michael Zucchet a new trial. From Federal Court Amita Sharma, KPBS News. The judge let stand the convictions against former Councilman Ralph Inzunza and lobbyist Lance Malone on all counts.
