Rittenhouse Lawyer Withdraws Amid Ethical Questions

December 5, 2020 Terrorism, Trump cultists

John M. Pierce, a California lawyer who has employed war-like rhetoric in his advocacy and fundraising for Kyle Rittenhouse filed a motion to withdraw from Rittenhouse’s criminal case, just hours after prosecutors alleged in a court filing Thursday that Pierce’s reported financial problems raised ethical concerns and a potential conflict of interest.

Kenosha County prosecutor Thomas Binger on Thursday morning took the highly unusual step of advocating against Pierce’s request for admission to the criminal case, a procedural measure required of out-of-state lawyers that would typically be granted without objection.

Pierce’s “personal financial difficulties raise significant ethical concerns,” Binger wrote in a court filing, contending Pierce could “personally benefit” from his close ties to the “#FightBack Foundation,” a Texas organization co-founded by Pierce and nationally known defamation lawyer Lin Wood.

Update: An attorney for Kyle Rittenhouse announced he will pull back from the teen’s criminal defense, hours after prosecutors in Wisconsin alleged that his involvement with a fundraising effort “provides ample opportunity for self-dealing and fraud.” https://t.co/mkkAXwnghP

— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) December 4, 2020

Read the full article.

So that it does not take Kyle’s supporters by surprise, effective immediately I am taking over all civil matters for Kyle including his future defamation claims. I will also be orchestrating all fundraising for defense costs. The terrific Mark Richards will proceed in Wisconsin.

— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) December 3, 2020

Please tune into Newsmax at 7:50 a.m. tomorrow to see myself and Wendy Rittenhouse discuss the case and the new fundraising efforts that will commence tomorrow for Kyle’s defense. #2A #SelfDefense

— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) December 3, 2020

1. With your help, my 501c4 foundation, #FightBack, successfully raised $2M cash bail for Kyle Rittenhouse & funded over $300K for his attorney’s fees & expenses. The foundation used approx. $400K of its general funds for Kyle.

— Lin Wood (@LLinWood) November 29, 2020

2. #FightBack also donated $100K to #WalkAway & $20K to @carterwpage.

I donate my time pro bono & take no compensation for my efforts on behalf of #FightBack.

The foundation is dedicated to helping preserve, protect & defend our Constitutional rights.

— Lin Wood (@LLinWood) November 29, 2020