In the latest twist in a saga of legal woes for a Windy City attorney, Chicago's own Michael Abramson faces fresh charges in federal court. The lawyer, who was initially indicted on tax fraud charges back in 2018, is now also accused of attempting to corruptly coerce a witness's testimony.
Abramson, who allegedly used corporate funds for over one million dollars in personal expenses funneled to a romantic partner, endeavored to play puppeteer, directing a witness in how to testify more favorably on his behalf. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the attorney handed over her past court statements scribbled with his own notes on how she should revise her story.
This act of witness tampering has thrown a wrench in the works, forcing a postponement of Abramson's trial to July while the attorney, now 74, waits behind bars until the new trial date is upon us. The twist in the case came to light when a fresh indictment was returned, adding witness tampering and contempt of court to Abramson's existing rap sheet.
Details of the extended drama were unearthed this week in U.S. District Court, where Mr. Abramson will have to soon face the music at his arraignment set for March 28, before Judge Virginia M. Kendall. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual, along with top agents from the FBI and IRS, are leading the prosecution.
While Abramson's day in court awaits, the public is reminded that the indictment remains only an accusation. The tenets of American justice dictate that Abramson remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a process designed to ensure a fair shake for the defendant while upholding the onus on the government to prove any alleged criminality to the fullest extent of the law.
