Excerpts of letters written by Margaret Rudin

Wednesday, May 9, 2001 | 10:37 a.m.

The following are excerpts of letters Margaret Rudin provided District Judge Joseph Bonaventure after she fired her lead defense attorney, Michael Amador.

The letters were written to defense investigator Tom Dillard or Amador in April.

"I protected him (Amador) when the judge wanted to fire him for being unprepared. I wanted him to recognize he could become part of a fantastic defense team and redeem himself by changing, caring and complying with the team effort. He continues to be a renegade. He lies to me and about me, and I don't want to have anymore to do with him ever again."

Referring to defense attorneys Tom Pitaro and John Momot and investigators Dillard and Michael Wysocki, Rudin writes:

"Thank you for all that you do -- you guys may not think I'm not aware of your time spent away from your families, other clients and offices, but I do know and that if and when I'm acquitted, it will be totally because of the efforts of you four and your B team behind the scenes."

In her letter to Amador, Rudin writes:

"Last week you reminded me at court you still expect to be paid $250,000, plus you said you're doing a book about my case and when it's made into a movie Andy Garcia or Richard Gere is going to play you. I realized you have somehow written your contracts where you intend to profit immensely from my case!"

"If you had dedicated your time and attention (and dedication to my defense preparation) that was needed, I might not object to your contracts; in lieu of the fact you did not properly prepare nor present my defense, I object to your intentions."

"Little time has ever been devoted to my case -- it's been a part of your ongoing complex and convoluted personal and legal co-mingled life. That's your problem -- when your excuses touch my life by risking the remainder of my life will be spent in prison if you're not prepared for trial, then it becomes my problem also."

Rudin noted that documents, records and receipts crucial to her case had been spread among several locations making them difficult, if not impossible, to find.

"How poor Mr. Pitaro, Wysocki and Dillard have managed to do as great a job thus far, on such short time, and under such stressful conditions, is testimony to their organization, time-consuming dedication, commitment and professional expertise."

"Prior to this week, I wanted to protect you and shield you from any public embarrassment regarding media and peer criticism -- I still do, but at the same time, I've been patient thru (sic) the worst of times. Now I'd like some changes and have them accomplished instead of promised."