Judge in Brooks' trial warns of further delays

As one of convicted stock fraudster David Brooks' attorneys seeks to leave his defense team, another attorney joined it Friday -- prompting a federal judge in Central Islip to warn that it was not an opportunity for further delay in the nearly 9-month-long trial.

"You'll be approximately the 25th attorney to represent Mr. Brooks," U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert said to David Goldstein, as she emphasized that she'd tolerate no further delays before beginning the next phase of the trial in November, to decide how much of Brooks' remaining millions should be forfeited to the government.

Brooks, former chief executive of DHB Industries, a body armor company once based in Westbury, was convicted last month of orchestrating a $185-million stock scheme and using company money for lavish personal expenses.

Meanwhile, another of his attorneys, Laurence Shtasel, of Philadelphia, sought to be allowed to leave the case. Although a hearing conducted by Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tomlinson took place Friday behind closed doors, a letter submitted to the court by lead defense attorney Kenneth Ravenell said the retainer for Shtasel's firm "has been depleted."

"Mr. Brooks currently has outstanding bills of approximately $1.5 million," Ravenell wrote, adding that expert witnesses in the forfeiture hearing could cost more than $250,000.

Meanwhile, Brooks waived his right to have the jury hear the forfeiture case. During the process, Seybert asked if he understood what was happening.

Brooks paused, then replied that at the jail, "My head is not always as straight as it should be." Eventually, however, he acknowledged that he did know what was going on.