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US Rep. Brown's lawyers seek to withdraw in corruption case

Corrine Brown
Posted at 11:44 AM, Aug 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-22 11:44:00-04

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown is having trouble hiring lawyers to defend her in a corruption case stemming from a purported charity that federal prosecutors say was an $800,000 personal slush fund.

The Jacksonville Democrat's latest pair of lawyers asked last week to withdraw after only two days. Attorneys Mark NeJame and David Haas said in a court filing they had irreconcilable differences with Brown and that their dealings were tinged with hostility and distrust.

A Jacksonville federal judge has set a hearing Tuesday on their request to withdraw. Federal prosecutors want Brown's representation issue settled so the case can move forward. She's had three sets of lawyers.

Brown and her chief of staff pleaded not guilty to charges in a 22-count indictment that includes conspiracy, wire fraud and tax law violations.

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