High Profile Federal Lawsuit Takes a Twist With Judge McConnell’s Recusal

High Profile Federal Lawsuit Takes a Twist With Judge McConnell’s Recusal

The federal lawsuit filed by personal injury attorney Brian Cunha against Winchester Capital Investment (WCI) and its Chairman and CEO, Ceasar N. Anquillare, alleging financial fraud and other violations, has taken another twist. 

On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge John "Jack" McConnell filed notice to the court that he was recusing himself from the case.

GoLocal reached out to the judge's office asking what the rationale was for McConnell’s recusal; his office would not disclose the reason.

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“The Judges are not required to and do not give reasons for recusals, either in their recusal orders or to the press/in public statements,” wrote Ryan H. Jackson, Senior Case Manager for McConnell.

The cases involve millions of dollars of investment funds.

WCI and Anquillar strongly deny any wrongdoing and, in their response filed on Monday to Cunha’s suit, claim the suit is false and that Cunha has misled the court.

“According to the response filed with the U.S. Federal District Court in Providence, Cunha concealed from his complaint the fact that he had received 37 consecutive monthly payments amounting to $770,000 in dividends and repayment of capital from his partnership interest and that the value of the partnership could have been higher if not diminished by his demanded cash monthly drawings of $21,000,” according to Anquillare and WCI’s statement to GoLocal.

 

 

McConnell Has Been a High-Profile Judge

McConnell has been a high-profile federal judge, having issued multiple decisions blocking key elements of the Trump Administration’s agenda.

Republicans in the House of Representatives have filed a resolution calling for McConnell’s impeachment.

“Impeaching John James McConnell Jr., Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Resolved, That John James McConnell Jr., Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate…READ MORE