Pittsburgh Woman’s Refusal to Testify Lands Her Behind Bars
A 41-year-old Pittsburgh woman has been indicted on a charge of criminal contempt of court for refusing to testify at the trial of her co-defendant, Andre Williams. Marquetta Lavelle Mitchell, who is already serving a 10-year sentence for federal drug charges, was subpoenaed to testify at Williams’ trial in October 2012.
According to the indictment, Mitchell disobeyed and resisted the lawful process, order and command of a Court of the United States, despite having been instructed by Senior United States District Court Judge Alan N. Bloch that her Fifth Amendment rights had been extinguished, and having been issued a written order compelling her to testify pursuant to a grant of immunity.
The trial of Andre Williams took place from October 16-22, 2012, and Mitchell was allegedly required to testify as a witness in the case. However, she refused to do so, sparking the contempt of court charges.
The law provides for an unlimited period of incarceration and/or a fine, at the discretion of the Court. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Mitchell’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee conducting the investigation leading to the indictment.
An indictment is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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