Drinker Biddle Successfully Defends Securities Lawyer Against RICO and Securities Fraud Charges

On July 3, after a six-month trial, a federal jury in Camden acquitted David Adler on all counts brought against him by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.  Defendants Nicodemo Scarfo, Jr., Salvatore Pelullo, William Maxwell and John Maxwell were convicted of all charges, while lawyers Gary McCarthy and Donald Manno were acquitted of all charges against them. The jury acquitted Mr. Adler of one count of RICO conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud. Mr. Adler was represented by Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.

Barry Gross, a partner in Drinker Biddle’s white collar practice, served as lead trial counsel for Mr. Adler.  The trial team also included Drinker lawyers Gregory Miller, Stephen Stroup, Nicholas Feltham and Tracy Combs.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the jurors who worked so diligently in this case,” Gross said. “There was an enormous quantity of information that the government presented in this case, but the jurors clearly took their responsibilities very seriously and justice was finally achieved for Mr. Adler, thanks to them.”

Ronald Sarachan, co-chair of Drinker Biddle’s white collar practice, added: “The white collar team at Drinker prides itself on helping our clients avoid criminal charges. But our track record leaves no doubt that, when we have to go to trial, our clients get an unparalleled defense.  Congratulations to the Drinker trial team for ensuring that justice was done for our client, David Adler.”