Cheney Mason

"Game Changing" Attorney Introduced At Casey Hearing

Updated: 11:40 am EDT March 18,2010

http://www.wftv.com/news/22876305/detail.html

ORLANDO, Fla. -- At an indigency hearing Thursday morning in the case against Casey Anthony, there was a major shake-up in the defense team.

Renowned criminal defense attorney J Cheney Mason has now joined the defense team (visit his website).

“You do not come any larger than J Cheney Mason,” WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said.

Mason is one of the top defense attorney's in the country. He has tried 50 murder cases successfully and is a part of a number of anti-death penalty organizations.

“[Cheney] is a founding father of the Central Florida Criminal Defense Association,” WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer told WFTV. “This is a game changer.”

“I’ve been asked to join and I’m doing it pro bono,” Mason said in court during the Thursday morning hearing. “We’re just seeking confirmation of Ms. Anthony’s indigency and I don’t think that should be in question.”

Affidavits show Casey has already paid more than $100,000 in legal fees to her team that includes Jose Baez and Andrea Lyon. Most defendants who are declared indigent get a public defender, but because Casey and her lawyers have already established a relationship she would get to keep them.

If Casey's request is granted by the judge, her team does not just get a blank check. She will only get money for state-approved expenses, like investigators and court reporters. Also, if the judge thinks Baez has misspent any of the money he has made, the lawyer could have to fund some of his own services.

The addition of Cheney to Casey's defense could mean there will be more changes, including the dismissal of Andrea Lyon. However, that has not been announced.

"J Cheney Mason absolutely believes he can win this case. I would liken this case to the OJ Simpson case," Sheaffer said.

Meanwhile, WFTV has learned that the 'secret' evidence the prosecution had withheld from the defense was unsealed by the judge Thursday morning (read judge's order), but a motion was quickly filed by the prosecution to hold it for another 30 days (read new motion).

According to information provided by the State in a motion to block the judge’s Thursday release of the evidence, “the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an inmate in the Florida Department of Correction, who stated that she had communications with the Defendant while in the Orange County Jail.”

According to the State’s motion, “that inmate was interviewed on or about the 22nd day of January 2010 and relayed potentially relevant statements by the Defendant, which are not in the nature of a confession, and gave the name of another inmate who also had communication with the Defendant. The second inmate, presently incarcerated in Federal Prison, was interviewed on or about the 27th day of January 2010 and reluctantly confirmed communication with the Defendant adding that she had received approximately fifty written communications from the Defendant which were then in the possession of another individual whose identity was provided to the Orange County Sheriffs Office.”

The motion goes on to reveal that the State believes “the documents ... appear to contain relevant statements of the Defendant,” but do not include a confession.

The State continues, “In a subsequent the interview with F.D.L.E. on February 12 2010, the federal inmate detailed how her friendship with the Defendant began and developed, how the documents came into existence, were transmitted and were maintained. She stated the friendship and all communication ended when she was transferred to federal custody. She stated that the friendship was not at the request of any law enforcement personnel nor was she asked to relay any information obtained to any law enforcement personnel. She did imply that an Orange County Corrections officer may have facilitated the communication once the friendship had begun but indicated a desire not to ‘get anyone in trouble.’”

The State’s motion asks for an additional delay in the release of the documents, stating that “it is anticipated that the investigation should be completed within the next thirty days and that any premature revelation of these matters could compromise the integrity of the investigation case.”

This is DEVELOPING.

Anthony Appears In Court, New Attorney Added
Accused Murderer Goes Before Judge Thursday Regarding Financing Defense

POSTED: 6:22 am EDT March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 12:29 am EDT March 19, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- During an indigency hearing Thursday morning in the Casey Anthony case, a prominent lawyer was introduced as part of Anthony's defense team.

Cheney Mason, a long-time Orlando defense attorney, has joined the Anthony defense.

Mason announced to the court that he would defend Anthony at no cost.

Attorneys for Anthony, who is charged with murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee, said she can't afford the costs of the trial.

"I can tell you there is no money and she is indigent," Mason told Judge Stan Strickland.

The judge said more information was needed about Casey's court costs in the past.

"My problem is, you're seeking public funds...but I don't have much about the source of what happened in the past," Strickland said.

"The lawyers are appearing pro bono, so therefore, it's nobody's business about what we're doing and not doing," Mason said.

Strickland said the affidavit was insufficient and that "how money was spent in the past does have a bearing on what I intend to do now."

Both the state and Anthony's defense attorneys will talk about her financial problems.

Jose Baez, Anthony's lead attorney, said that since the state changed its direction to the possibility of a death sentence, Anthony's defense got even more expensive.

Baez said his client was willing and able to pay for her defense until the state changed their position and decided to pursue the death penalty.

In the past, Anthony paid Baez $90,000 in fees and Andrea Lyon, another of her defense attorneys, $20,000 for services.

WESH 2 has pressed Baez as to where the money came from, but he said he won't discuss the issue of money, citing ethical violation.

It is unknown whether Judge Stan Strickland will ask Anthony to talk more about where the money came from Thursday in court.

George Anthony is also expected to attend the hearing. Recently, a woman claiming to be his mistress said he told her Caylee's death was just an accident.

Casey Anthony's father denied the affair and the accident statement through his attorney.

Anthony, 23, is charged with first-degree murder. The remains of her daughter, Caylee, were found in a wooded area near the Anthony home in Dec. 2008. Anthony maintains that a nanny by the name of Zenaida Gonzalez kidnapped Caylee.

She will turn 24 years old on Friday.

http://www.wesh.com/news/22874392/detail.html

I dislike this snot-face attorney. He is supposedly retiring, and taking this case on pro bono FOR FUN. I hope Caylee Marie Angelbabe latches on to him, invades his soul, and torments his dreams for the rest of his life.
"Fame or Fortune and now, Fun" against "Justice for Caylee".

I couldn't believe that when he said this case was going to be fun! Hello! What is fun about a trial involving a murdered 2 year old?! Yikes!

Is this "Cheney" any relation to the DICK Cheney of the Bush assn.?

Julie wrote:I couldn't believe that when he said this case was going to be fun! Hello! What is fun about a trial involving a murdered 2 year old?! Yikes!

OMG! I missed him saying that! There're no words for how awful that is! Maybe Karma will get him one day and someone will think it's fun to help someone who did something to him or one of his loved ones. He'd probably be the first one screaming about how awful it is to say it's fun. It's like serial killers who kill in horrendous ways, then start begging for mercy for themselves not to be yanked by the arm too hard > "Don't hurt me!"

Lottie it was way at the end of the video, when the nightmare team was being interviewed outside.

i could tell by listening to the way he chose to address the court yesterday, that this "game changer" is disrespectful and has SERIOUS entitlement issues.. he will fit right in.

anyone that would call the murder trial over a 2 year old little girl needs their head examined and life long therapy... may i suggest shock therapy.. that was truly offensive.

It certainly is offensive, randilynn! If there's a definition for pure evil, that should be it!

I think this man is horrendous as well. Fun?? OMG, what a POS. Yes, he WILL fit right in with this whole clan. I don't think Judge Strickland was too happy with him. In the beginning, I saw Stricklands face when this clown said "Well, YOU TRUST ME DON'T YOU?" Judge Strickland looked as if he almost wanted to laugh.

I couldn't believe all the laughing that was going on in the court room as well. It was like a bad version of "Night Court".

I just hope this new clown pisses off Strickland as he did most of us.

I want Strickland to lower the boom on the defense for not having what they need to conduct a proper hearing. They had to know they'd have to show proof of where the money went. And if they're so stupid they didn't know that, then too bad because they should have known. They act like they bought their law degrees at Walmart! I want Strickland to tell them to stop wasting the court's time by coming unprepared for trial and delaying things unnecessarily, and if they do again he's going to hold them in contempt or something.

I had to go to court once and my lawyer came unprepared saying he had more stuff he just didn't bring it. It was the exact same thing like Baez did, when the plaintiff's council brought up certain points my lawyer hadn't thought about, he then claimed he could answer that but he didn't bring the necessary info with him to prove it. The judge told him he was ruling based on what he'd brought - which was not enough to prove my case- and was going to assume that's all he had because he should have known better. I lost because of it! After the verdict, the judge told him if he ever came to his court again unprepared for trial he was going to hold him in contempt for deliberately delaying proceedings and pointed out that it wasn't the first time this lawyer had done that. I don't know if that's legal, but he said it. He bawled him out for being lazy too!

Baez is forever delaying things, sometimes I think just to be doing it. Yesterday when the judge gave him 5 days to look over the no-longer-secret material, Baez just had to ask for 15! Why not 10? Why not 5? All the judge wanted in 5 days was for Baez to file a motion to keep certain things from going pubic if he wanted to. Doesn't seem like a 2 week endeavor for someone who claims he hasn't got any other cases to work on.

I completely agree with you Lottie. I think that Strickland is just being cautious so that there is no "legal" leeway for an appeal.

I agree, Fysty. Poor Strickland is having to strain his brain like crazy! He's doing a great job though! After this he should be nominated for the Supreme Court! LOL

All Baez had done since the beginning is try to set this case up for appeal. It's probably all he's got if he hopes to win this. Or else, he's just stupid! :)

I dread the trial in a way, because Baez is probably not going to stop trying to set the case up for appeal and the trial is going to be so full of objections and sidebars and delays.

I think he's "just stupid"!

I was shocked when this new lawyer told JS that it was
nobody's business when JS said he wanted to know how the
money already received was spent. He was basically telling the judge that it was "none of his business". He was completely disrespectfull and condecending toward Judge Strickland and the court. KC with her smirks making faces and laughing made me wish I could slap her. Why is murdering her daughter so funny? Is it because this new
lawyer has made her think now she's going to get away with
it?

They are making a mockery of the court and a murdered 2 year old. It is disgusting. KC acts like she's on a freaking field trip. Strickland has patience, and he's going to follow the book.

The "show" that Mason put on, swearing in the lion and bozo to testify was arrogant and just a "cheap slick trick"
and I hope it backfires and bites them in the ass.

I haven't been posting on here because it all just makes me so upset. Everything that is being done to save the shell of a human that murdered her daughter is a waste of time and money. That poor little girl lost her life and her whiny mother-murderer just smiles through it all.

KC is just a spoiled rotten turd.

Now, I'm going to go back to reading only and not posting.

Found this at Hinky.

Where do you find attorney case records on the Florida Clerk’s office? The only thing I found on Orange County myclerk system, shows that James Cheney Mason is a drunk.
http://myclerk.myorangeclerk.com/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=5159342

I just noticed at MD's he has RC on his sidebar under "Anthony Connections".

Thanks for pointing that out Julie. That was pretty cool of Dave to link to us.

Yeah, it was.

Casey's Newest Lawyer Brings New Dynamic To Defense

Posted: 5:53 pm EDT March 23,2010
Updated: 6:21 pm EDT March 23,2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- WFTV took a harder look at the newest addition to Casey's defense team, Orlando lawyer J. Cheney Mason, who says he can get Casey off, despite the evidence against her.

VIDEO REPORT: New Lawyer Brings New Dynamic

Channel 9 broke the story last week that Mason was on board. He has nearly 40 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer and has won 50 first-degree murder cases.

Mason brings a dynamic, not seen yet, to Casey's defense team. He bombastic inside and outside of court and he's already made claims he'll get a not guilty verdict in Casey's murder case, but he's got hundreds of pieces of forensic evidence and testimony from more than 100 witnesses to fight against.

Mason says he's already got forensics experts volunteering to help Casey for free.

Prosecutors have the best labs and experts in the country concluding the duct tape found over Caylee's face, and on the Anthonys' gas can, could have come from the same roll, concluding one of Caylee's hairs in her mother's trunk came from her dead body, and that there were vapors from human decomposition detected in that same trunk.But WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer says what Mason brings to the defense table is 40 years of experience cross-examining witnesses hostile to the defense.

“Either impeaching them or casting doubt on their credibility, so that he can argue to the jury, ‘You should discount their testimony based on what I brought out during cross examination, therefore there's reasonable doubt,’” Sheaffer explained.

Recently, more damning evidence has come to light coming directly from Casey in 50 letters she wrote to another inmate at the Orange County jail. Investigators haven't divulged what's in the letters. WFTV asked Mason about it last week and obviously hit a nerve.

“We're gonna take a look at it and see whether it's privileged and I’m not gonna answer any more questions about it. Don't waste your time Kathi, I'm not gonna answer any more questions about it,” Mason said.

The defense is considering asking the judge to seal Casey's letters. The judge has said he's not inclined to.

“All this evidence is like holes in the dam and, after a while, even Cheney Mason runs out of fingers,” Sheaffer said.

The defense still has several days to decide whether to ask the judge to seal the letters.

Casey isn't the first high-profile woman Mason has represented. He helped former astronaut Lisa Nowak get a plea deal that kept her out of jail and a felony conviction off her record. She was sentenced to one year of probation.

Nowak was accused of trying to kidnap a romantic rival after driving to Orlando from Texas.

http://www.wftv.com/news/22923518/detail.html

From the WFTV article above:

WFTV took a harder look at the newest addition to Casey's defense team, Orlando lawyer J. Cheney Mason, who says he can get Casey off, despite the evidence against her.

Seems that the only thing important to some criminal defense attorneys is proving just how good they are at keeping a murderer, against whom the authorities have much evidence, from having to pay for their crime.

Sad.

your right snaz... its sad.

it is all nothing more than a game to him.. he has made that perfectly clear.. it will be "fun"

Get a load of this!!!!! Mason is as big a joke as Baez is!! And BTW, in case you aren't aware, Nelson Serrano is on death row!

Man Wants Attorney to Cough Up the $1M

By JACQUELINE J. HOLNESS
July 2, 2010

ATLANTA (CN) - A lawyer who told NBC's "Dateline" he would pay $1 million to anyone who could make it from the Atlanta airport to a La Quinta Inn in 28 minutes - as his client was accused of doing in a capital murder case - refused to pay a man who took him up on it, the man claims in Federal Court. Dustin S. Kolodziej claims he accepted attorney James Cheney Mason's challenge, made his deadline, and now he wants the $1 million.

Mason appeared on "Dateline" to discuss his client Nelson Serrano's capital murder trial. Serrano, a wealthy businessman, was accused of killing his business partner George Gonsalves and three other people in 1997. Serrano claimed he was in Atlanta and the murders happened in Central Florida. Serrano was convicted in 2006 and is on Death Row, according to the complaint.

"Video cameras at the Atlanta La Quinta showed Serrano at the hotel a few hours after the murders. Serrano's defense was that it would have been impossible for him to have committed the murders in Florida and been at the Atlanta La Quinta by the time the video showed him there," the complaint states.

Mason repeated that defense on "Dateline" and challenged his viewers. The complaint cites an NBC transcript of the show: "'In less than half an hour, Serrano would have had to get off a wide body jet, exit Atlanta airport - one of the busiest in the world - and arrive back at his hotel 5 miles away. All in time to be photographed looking up at that surveillance camera.'

"Mason then issued the challenge at the center of this lawsuit. According to the Dateline transcript, Mason said: 'I challenge anybody to show me, I'll pay them a million dollars if they can do it.'"

The complaint continues: "The Dateline reporter questioned Mason to make sure he understood the terms of the challenge: 'If they can do it in the time allotted?' Mason clarified: '28 minutes. Can't happen. Didn't happen.'"

Mason claims the TV show edited his comments, according to the complaint. But Kolodziej cites Mason's version of his challenge: "According to Mason he said, 'And from there to be on the videotape in 28 minutes. Not possible. Not possible. I challenge anybody to show me, and guess what? Did they bring in any evidence to say that somebody made the route, did so? State's burden of proof. If they can do it, I'll challenge 'em. I'll pay them a million dollars if they can do it.'"

Kolodziej adds: "Even if Mason's version is his unedited statement, it contains in substance the same challenge as broadcast by Dateline."

Kolodziej, who was a law student in 1997, says he followed the case and accepted Mason's challenge in December 2007, just after the 10th anniversary of the murders.

"He retraced Serrano's alleged route, flying from Atlanta to Orlando, driving to the scene of the murders, then flying back to Atlanta. Kolodziej made the last leg of the journey - from the airplane to the La Quinta - within the required 28 minutes," according to the complaint.

Kolodziej sent a video of his trip along and a demand letter to Mason, who responded that his challenge was "just a joke and that '[c]ertainly neither you (reasonably) or anybody else could think that there was a clear intention to pay anybody a million dollars or any other amount.' Mason refused to pay Kolodziej the promised $1 million," according to the complaint. (Brackets and parentheses as in complaint.)
But Kolodziej demands $1 million and attorney's fees.

He is represented by Christopher Moorman of with Moorman Pieschel.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/07/01/28532.htm

Another interesting tidbit on Cheney Mason. Around the same time Andrea Lyon is making plans to leave KC's defense team (it's been said her leaving has been in the works for a month), Mason takes on another HIGH-PROFILE case...... how can he handle BOTH high-profile cases at the same time???? He must think he is superman!

Embattled Jim Greer assembles legal team

By Michelle Yoffee
June 09, 2010

OVIEDO-Former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Jim Greer, has hired a Central Florida "dream team" to help him through his legal woes. Greer served on the Oviedo City Council from 2004 to 2007.

In addition to the outspoken Damon Chase, Greer has retained Orlando lawyers J. Cheney Mason and Donald A. Lykkebak. They are all known for handling high-profile cases.

On Tuesday, Chase said that Greer agreed to hire Lykkebak and Mason because "Greer is in a fight with the people who literally run the state of Florida and who are clearly not afraid to abuse their power. He has to defend his life with everything he has at his disposal because the people controlling this prosecution have staked their entire careers on seeing him go to prison."

The Office of the Attorney General wouldn't discuss specifics of the case when contacted Tuesday, but Spokesperson, Sandy Copes, sent an e-mail to The Chronicle.

Read more:
http://www.seminolechronicle.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2010/06/09/4c0ff9373ffcf

Off topic--- but amusing. I never knew this about Cheney Mason!

From the Courthouse News Service July 01, 2010
Man Wants Attorney to Cough Up the $1M

By JACQUELINE J. HOLNESS

ATLANTA (CN) - A lawyer who told NBC's "Dateline" he would pay $1 million to anyone who could make it from the Atlanta airport to a La Quinta Inn in 28 minutes - as his client was accused of doing in a capital murder case - refused to pay a man who took him up on it, the man claims in Federal Court. Dustin S. Kolodziej claims he accepted attorney James Cheney Mason's challenge, made his deadline, and now he wants the $1 million........

more at link http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/07/01/28532.htm

Jim Greer's Attorney Wants Case Dismissed

Posted: 11:47 am EDT July 5, 2010
Updated: 12:48 pm EDT July 5, 2010

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- WFTV learned more about the case against former Florida Republican Party chairman, Jim Greer Monday morning. Jim Greer's high-profile attorney said he will try to get the case dismissed.

Greer is accused of funneling money from the Republican Party into his personal bank accounts.

Greer’s lawyer, J. Cheney Mason, held a news conference Monday. Mason wants the entire case dismissed, because he believes the indictment doesn't technically state a crime.

WFTV learned Greer's attorney also wants Bill McCollum off the case. McCullom prompted the investigation originally, but he is now running for governor and is right in the middle of Republican Party politics.

Mason is upset about how the case has been investigated and prosecuted so far. Among his biggest concerns is that he doesn't want the Greer case to turn into the "circus" that the case of his other client, Casey Anthony, has become.

Mason will file motions asking that the Greer case be dismissed, and that McCullom and the Office of the Attorney General be disqualified because he has a "severe conflicting interest."

Once an Oviedo city councilman, Greer was arrested on June 2 on charges that he funneled about $200,000 into a shell company that he owned, called Victory Strategies, while chair of the Republican Party.

The day Greer was arrested, his Oviedo mansion, which was home to many black-tie fundraisers, was raided. Mason also wants evidence suppressed because the search warrant was "legally defective."

He claims that party leaders knew of Victory Strategies, signed off on its payments, and said Delmar Johnson, executive director of the Florida Republican Party, is now a mouthpiece for the prosecution.

“We are not going to tolerate continuous misrepresentations that they did not know about Victory Strategies or that they did not sign a severance agreement with Mr. Greer,” Mason said.

The prosecution expects to depose many high-profile republicans before the August election, which includes McCollum, Charlie Crist and Winter Park representative Dean Cannon.

http://www.wftv.com/news/24145934/detail.html

Good luck Mr. Cheney...I think this will knock some fire out from under you...Sure sounds like it was misappropriation of funds to me..trying to line his pockets with party $$$ when he couldn't afford to finance his own business...I despise politics, but when a CRIME is involved I despise them and the politician even more...

Student sues for lawyer's promised prize

Published: July 12, 2010 at 2:31 PM

ATLANTA, July 12 (UPI) -- A Texas law student who took a defense lawyer's $1 million challenge from a "Dateline NBC" interview is suing for the money he claims he is owed.

Dustin Kolodziej of the San Antonio area said attorney James Mason offered in a "Dateline NBC" interview he would pay $1 million to anyone who could prove him wrong in claiming his client, Nelson Serrano, could have made it from Florida's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to the La Quinta Inn, a 3-mile distance, in under 28 minutes, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday.

"I challenge anybody to show me. I'll pay them a million dollars if they can do it," Mason told the interview.

Serrano was convicted of killing four people in Bartow, Fla., in 1997 and the prosecution's case hinged on his ability to reach the inn in the time frame.

Kolodziej said he got off a plane at the airport, took his car from the parking garage and made it to the inn in just 19 minutes, capturing the whole experience on a camcorder. However, Mason refused to pay the $1 million reward, claiming the offer was a figure of speech.

Kolodziej's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, alleges breach of contract, claiming Mason's statements on "Dateline" constituted a verbal contract.

"What this case boils down to is would a reasonable person believe that this is legitimate," said David George, a lawyer for Kolodziej. "Think about the context. He's on 'Dateline,' national TV, and his client is on death row. That is not a joking context."

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2010/07/12/Student-sues-for-lawyers-promised-prize/UPI-59501278959485/

I hope this guy wins his lawsuit... maybe Cheney Mason ought to learn to keep his big trap shut.

CM is sure a big talker..... the bolded comment reminds me of how he said he and KC would walk out of the courthouse arm in arm, her a free woman. I just don't honestly see how he can take on these two high profile cases at the same time, and do either one of them justice.... if you'll excuse the phrase....

Will Greer's lawyer be political party pooper?

Mike Thomas
12:13 a.m. EDT, July 8, 2010

Cheney Mason is the patron saint of hapless defendants who seemingly have no defense.

Given his history, it was no surprise this week when he took on the case of Jim Greer, the former chairman and chief scoundrel of the Republican Party of Florida, a man accused of stealing and laundering thousands of dollars from the party.

Greer is a perfect Mason client. He is high profile, widely reviled and judged guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by many before the trial even begins.

Mason's defensive strategy is to opt for a strong offense, all of which could make him a major wild card in the upcoming election.

He plans to put Florida Republican Party on trial, announcing this week that he basically will burn the party to the ground if that's what it takes save his client.

If Greer is a scoundrel, says Mason, then he was a scoundrel among scoundrels. He did nothing that party leaders didn't know was being done.

To prove it, he plans to drag them in for depositions. The list includes Attorney General Bill McCollum, future House Speaker Dean Cannon and party Chairman John Thrasher. Gov. Charlie Crist, who appointed Greer but has since abandoned the party, also may be called. All are running for offices.

Mason says the questioning begins in about two weeks. Their testimony could be released before the August primaries.

"Some inconvenient truths are likely to come out in depositions,'' Mason says. "I know any elected public official who throws rocks better make sure he is not living in the proverbial glass house.''

That could be a bluff. But his strategy reinforces the story line of Florida Democrats this campaign season. One-party rule has turned the Republicans into an arrogant, corrupt bunch. Greer was not some party outlier but was the epicenter of their polluted universe.

Greer ran the party. The party issued the company American Express cards. Several top elected officials and party staffers spent lavishly on trips, meals and perhaps personal expenses.

Federal investigators are doing an investigation into this, according to the St. Petersburg Times and Miami Herald. That includes the IRS, which reportedly is looking into whether former House Speaker Marco Rubio used his Amex for personal expenses, making it unreported income.

If Rubio is charged, that would end a fairy tale Senate campaign that has captured the imagination of conservatives nationwide. It also would end any hope the Republicans have of winning Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

The last thing Republicans need is Cheney Mason, unless you are Rick Scott, who is challenging Bill McCollum in the gubernatorial primary. This is a grand opportunity to turn attention away from all the Medicare fraud that occurred at Columbia/HCA hospitals under Scott's watch.

And don't the Democrats just love a good "you're sleazier than I am'' exchange between Republicans.

There also was a signed severance agreement between Greer and party leaders that stated all expenses, including fundraising, incurred by Greer were "proper and authorized and otherwise ratified'' by the party.

Greer also claims Charlie Crist was aware of how money was spent, putting the governor on the hot seat. Crist's trademark vague answers serve him well with reporters; perhaps not so well with a seasoned defense attorney.

"We don't think there was a crime committed,'' says Cheney. "No public funds were taken. This is a private club. Historically, they do what they want to do. They pay what they want to pay. Where are the rules here?''

I don't know how strong the case is against Greer. McCollum doesn't seem worried.

But regardless of Greer's guilt, Mason is a master of reasonable doubt.

And the more doubt he can cast on Greer's guilt, the more doubt he can cast on the Republican Party's credibility before a very crucial election.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-mike-thomas-column-cheney-mason-0720100707,0,4438003.column

I thought CM was retiring. He only took on KC's case for 'fun' before he retired. Is this going to be another 'fun' case for Mason?

Cheney Mason takes on yet ANOTHER case.

Bold is mine.

Pro driver arrested on new Ponzi scheme charges

July 23, 2010, 2:12PM ET

ORLANDO, Fla. - A former race car driver suspected of running a more than $5 million Ponzi scheme has been arrested on additional charges in central Florida.

A Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman says Henri Zogaib was at the Orange County Jail on Friday on 26 new charges of grand theft. His bond was set at $2.2 million.

Zogaib was a driver in NASCAR's Grand-Am series. Florida law enforcement agents say he encouraged more than a dozen associates to invest in iron ore, promising returns of 40 percent but instead bilking the profits.

Authorities believed there were more involved and had been encouraging other alleged victims to come forward.

Zogaib's Orlando attorney, Cheney Mason, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9H4TMV80.htm

Or possibly Mason was his attorney previously instead.....

Pro Driver Arrested On New Ponzi Scheme Charges

POSTED: 4:31 pm EDT July 23, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A former race car driver suspected of running a more than $5 million Ponzi scheme has been arrested on additional charges in central Florida.

A Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman says Henri Zogaib was at the Orange County Jail on Friday on 26 new charges of grand theft. His bond was set at $2.2 million.

Zogaib was a driver in NASCAR's Grand-Am series. Florida law enforcement agents say he encouraged more than a dozen associates to invest in iron ore, promising returns of 40 percent but instead bilked the profits.

Authorities believed there were more involved and had been encouraging other alleged victims to come forward.

Attorney Cheney Mason had represented Zogaib in a previous case but did not know if Zogaib currently had a lawyer.

http://www.wesh.com/news/24372410/detail.html

Interesting comments about Mason:

Will Greer's lawyer be political party pooper?

Mike Thomas
12:13 a.m. EDT, July 8, 2010

Cheney Mason is the patron saint of hapless defendants who seemingly have no defense.

Given his history, it was no surprise this week when he took on the case of Jim Greer, the former chairman and chief scoundrel of the Republican Party of Florida, a man accused of stealing and laundering thousands of dollars from the party.

Greer is a perfect Mason client. He is high profile, widely reviled and judged guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by many before the trial even begins.

Mason's defensive strategy is to opt for a strong offense, all of which could make him a major wild card in the upcoming election.

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He plans to put Florida Republican Party on trial, announcing this week that he basically will burn the party to the ground if that's what it takes save his client.

If Greer is a scoundrel, says Mason, then he was a scoundrel among scoundrels. He did nothing that party leaders didn't know was being done.

To prove it, he plans to drag them in for depositions. The list includes Attorney General Bill McCollum, future House Speaker Dean Cannon and party Chairman John Thrasher. Gov. Charlie Crist, who appointed Greer but has since abandoned the party, also may be called. All are running for offices.

Mason says the questioning begins in about two weeks. Their testimony could be released before the August primaries.

"Some inconvenient truths are likely to come out in depositions,'' Mason says. "I know any elected public official who throws rocks better make sure he is not living in the proverbial glass house.''

That could be a bluff. But his strategy reinforces the story line of Florida Democrats this campaign season. One-party rule has turned the Republicans into an arrogant, corrupt bunch. Greer was not some party outlier but was the epicenter of their polluted universe.

Greer ran the party. The party issued the company American Express cards. Several top elected officials and party staffers spent lavishly on trips, meals and perhaps personal expenses.

Federal investigators are doing an investigation into this, according to the St. Petersburg Times and Miami Herald. That includes the IRS, which reportedly is looking into whether former House Speaker Marco Rubio used his Amex for personal expenses, making it unreported income.

If Rubio is charged, that would end a fairy tale Senate campaign that has captured the imagination of conservatives nationwide. It also would end any hope the Republicans have of winning Florida's U.S. Senate seat.

The last thing Republicans need is Cheney Mason, unless you are Rick Scott, who is challenging Bill McCollum in the gubernatorial primary. This is a grand opportunity to turn attention away from all the Medicare fraud that occurred at Columbia/HCA hospitals under Scott's watch.

And don't the Democrats just love a good "you're sleazier than I am'' exchange between Republicans.

There also was a signed severance agreement between Greer and party leaders that stated all expenses, including fundraising, incurred by Greer were "proper and authorized and otherwise ratified'' by the party.

Greer also claims Charlie Crist was aware of how money was spent, putting the governor on the hot seat. Crist's trademark vague answers serve him well with reporters; perhaps not so well with a seasoned defense attorney.

"We don't think there was a crime committed,'' says Cheney. "No public funds were taken. This is a private club. Historically, they do what they want to do. They pay what they want to pay. Where are the rules here?''

I don't know how strong the case is against Greer. McCollum doesn't seem worried.

But regardless of Greer's guilt, Mason is a master of reasonable doubt.

And the more doubt he can cast on Greer's guilt, the more doubt he can cast on the Republican Party's credibility before a very crucial election.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-mike-thomas-column-cheney-mason-0720100707,0,4438003.column

As far as Im concerned, he hasnt done anything spectacular in the CMA case. Im unimpressed and plan on being that way for the whole trial.

I'm more unimpressed everytime I see him in action. His cross-examination of Deborah Polisano blew up in his face.

I agree, I haven't seen him do anything spectacular so far, and I don't expect him to do great things once the trial starts, Judge Perry will keep in under control.

Justice4all wrote:I'm more unimpressed everytime I see him in action. His cross-examination of Deborah Polisano blew up in his face.

EXACTLY J4a.. he broke the golden rule of defense attorney's... NEVER ask a qestion that you dont know for sure what the answer is going to be...

CM may have extravagant ways to make reasonable doubt in all courtrooms EXCEPT Judge Perry's.. i think he will no doubt shut down most if not all the BS for him and bozo. THANK THE LORD the defense was dumb enough to have Strickland step down!!!

Justice4all wrote:I'm more unimpressed everytime I see him in action. His cross-examination of Deborah Polisano blew up in his face.

What's so funny about this is..........didn't he read the transcripts?

I think he depended on Bozo to keep him updated on everything, but, my God, we all know Bozo doesn't know what is going on.

This may sound stupid, but I am beginning to feel sorry for KC, putting her life in the hands of these idiots. I sure hope their stupidity does not lead to a new trial.

Mr. Chinny Chin Chin should know better than to depend on inept Bozo...He needs to do his own homework despite the fact that he has other cases that he took on...I think the 2 of them have KC awestruck with the troops they called in...

Casey Anthony's attorney speaks about Quran burning

By Brittny Krause @ September 10, 2010 11:23 AM

Casey Anthony's attorney is speaking out about the proposed Quran burning in Gainesville, Fla.

Orlando attorney Cheney Mason wrote an open letter Governor Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Mayor Craig Lowe to address the negative attention Florida has received because of the proposed Quran burning in Gainesville.

http://wdbo.com/localnews/2010/09/casey-anthonys-attorney-speaks.html

Complete letter from Mason to Govenor Crist:
http://wdbo.com/common/pdf/orlando/OpenLtr9-9-10mason.pdf

Yet ANOTHER case Mason is taking on......

Feds to seek forfeiture of planes, trucks and cash linked to 800 pounds of marijuana at Umatilla airport

By Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel
October 1, 2010

TAVARES — As authorities trumpeted arrests in the largest pot bust in Lake County in five years, investigators said they would seek forfeitures of two planes, three pickup trucks and $30,000 confiscated by deputy sheriffs who found nearly 800 pounds of marijuana at the Umatilla airport.

The case is notable in another respect: Two of the suspects have hired high-profile lawyers, Cheney Mason, a member of Casey Anthony's defense team, and Donald Lykkebak, who defended lovesick astronaut Lisa Nowak.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/os-airport-pot-bust-high-profile-lawy20101001,0,3145731.story

Old article..... BBM..... does that sound a bit familiar to anyone???? Given how this case turned out for Nowak, how's that fun on KC's case working for ya, Mason????? Talk about ego......

Donald Lykkebak’s High-Flying Career

By G.K. Sharman
Published in Florida Super Lawyers 2008 — June 2008

~ Snipped ~

Lykkebak loves to go to court, says Cheney Mason, his law-school buddy, former landlord and longtime friend. Frequent co-counsels on cases, they also share an office suite in downtown Orlando. And back in the 1970s, Mason was Lykkebak's campaign manager during a run for state attorney of Florida's 18th Judicial Circuit. (Lykkebak lost.)

At docket calls, where attorneys say whether they're ready to proceed to trial, Lykkebak and Mason always have their hands up, eager to mix it up in court.

"It's almost perverted how much fun it is for him to go to trial," Mason says.

Nothing is more enjoyable for Lykkebak than catching some cop in an inconsistency or pounding an unprepared prosecutor.

The Nowak case is the epitome of fun, says Mason, who is assisting on the case. At a hearing to consider letting Nowak remove her ankle monitor, Shipman claimed she was afraid to leave Brevard County and feared that Nowak would come after her if the monitor were removed. Except Lykkebak knew something no one else did: that Shipman had actually traveled to Houston, where Nowak was living, several times in the previous weeks.

Read more: http://www.superlawyers.com/florida/articles.html

One Of Casey's Attorneys Takes On Another High-Profile Case

Updated: 6:31 pm EST January 13, 2011

OVIEDO, Fla. -- The legendary local attorney who took on Casey Anthony's case is now taking on a second high-profile death penalty case. J. Cheney Mason is now defending Isaac Burt, who's accused of killing his girlfriend's toddler in Oviedo.

Mason has represented the accused for 40 years and now, as if the national spotlight on the Casey Anthony trial weren't enough, he's taken on another high profile, high stakes case, the Oviedo man accused of murdering his girlfriend's daughter, 3-year-old Faith Jackson, in November.

"An attorney of Cheney Mason's caliber can easily handle these types of cases, and represent multiple defendants charged with murder," WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said.

Read more: http://www.wftv.com/news/26486686/detail.html

I was under the impression Cheney was going to retire, but took on the Casey case 'for fun.'

Doesn't sound like he is retiring now does it?