"The judge indicated that she agrees with us on the law, but she noted that there were conflicting facts with regard to the representation of Mr. Pellicano, which is why we believe she granted the evidentiary hearing," spokesman Thom Mrozek said. "This means and proves nothing other than there are conflicts in the positions of the parties, something that happens quite often during the course of most lawsuits."
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Pellicano to get hearing on evidence
The private eye's attorneys contend that his ex-girlfriend passed confidential defense information to feds.
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However, two former federal prosecutors not involved in the case said the decision was bad news for the government.
"It is clearly a victory for the defense, regardless of whether their other motions are granted, because they will get to cross-examine witnesses, including the FBI case agent," said David Willingham, who recently left the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles and is now a defense attorney specializing in white collar crime.
Criminal-defense attorney Thomas Sleisenger agreed.
"This is a win for the defense and not good for the government," he said. "Now they have to drag witnesses into court on something they didn't think was an issue."
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greg.krikorian@latimes.com
