Anthony Piliero, accused of seeking to hire a “hit man” to kill a former business partner, has been found “not guilty” in a federal trial which ended this afternoon, according to his wife, Anna Piliero who sent an email to Talk of the Sound.
Developing…
UPDATE: from U.S District Court New York Southern District
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald:Jury Trial as to Joseph S Barone, Anthony V. Piliero held on 7/29/2010. Final day of trial. Both defendants present with counsel. AUSAs present.Court declares mistrial as to count 1 of the indictment for both defendants. Jury returns verdict of Not Guilty on count 2 of the indictment for both defendants. Defendant Barone released on bail with $20,000 PRB.Jury excused.
Count One: Murder for Hire Conspiracy
Count Two: Murder for Hire
In short, they were acquitted on the charge of going to Connecticut to carry out an alleged plan to commit murder and there was a mistrial on the charge that Piliero and Barone made plans to commit murder.
NOTE: If there are any lawyers out there who can explain thus decision more fully I can post the indictment.