October 25, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 9 . . Ramadan Attorneys Speak Out FROM PAGE 8 ceeds ended up, we’re concerned because similar schemes have been used in the past to help fund terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.” However, Spiro said no possible terrorism connection has been established and vehemently denied his client or his co-conspirators have any relationship with known terror organizations or individuals. “There is no evidence that he had any relationship whatsoever, either directly or through financing, to terrorism,” said Spiro. “The Attorney General’s Office even told us directly there is nothing to do with him and terrorism.” The New York Attorney General’s Office this week said none of the defendants in the cigarette smuggling case including the Ramadans have been charged with anything related to terrorism. However, from the beginning, the N.Y. Attorney General’s Office has explored where the money went. Meanwhile, in terms of the alleged murder-for-hire plot, the latest indictment unsealed and released by the New York Attorney General’s Office late last Thursday reveals the alleged conspiracy carried out by Basel Ramadan and Odeh began shortly after their arraignment and subsequent incarceration at Rikers Island in New York. “… it was the stated goal of defendant Ramadan and defendant Odeh to kill several individuals whom the defendants believed to be witnesses against them in the prosecution of the Kings County indictment,” the indictment released last Thursday reads. “… both defendants discussed and agreed with individuals that the individuals would carry out the goal of the conspiracy by intentionally causing, or recruiting, other individuals to cause the death of persons the defendants believed to be witnesses against them on behalf of the prosecution.” In one example cited in the indictment from Sept. 17, Ramadan spoke via telephone from jail with an undercover NYPD officer who was posing as a prospective killer for hire. “During the call, Ramadan stated in sum and substance that he has ‘one of those problems’ and when the undercover officer stated that ‘he could take care of it,’ Ramadan stated that he appreciated it,” the indictment reads. However, Spiro said the language used during the conversation was vague and did not include specifics. For that reason, he believes the murder-for-hire charges will not stand up in court. “Even if true, there is no language used regarding ‘kill,’ ‘harm’ or the like,” he said. “There are no overt acts of violence or attempts of any kind. There is no substantive evidence of any crime. This will amount to nothing more than at most idle talk.” CLOSING PARTY Saturday, Oct. 26 Johnny Bling Thank You For A Great Season! See You Spring 2014. www.mrducksbar.com 311 Talbot Street • 410-289-9125 Open 7 Days A Week At 11 a.m. SOLD! 3 “We are a dedicated team of professionals, ready to assist you in your investment. As leaders in resort new construction sales, we offer the very best in service and experience.” Dan Clayland, Project Manager Richie Difillippo Annie Tingle Michelle Pompa Sharon Daugherty Jeff Beres