Guldi to press for Levy to testify at trial
George Guldi leaves the courtroom of judge James F.X. Doyle after his arraignment. (Aug. 11, 2009) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
A former Suffolk legislator on trial for insurance fraud is expected to file legal papers in the next several days arguing why Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy should be compelled to testify in the case.
George Guldi, the defendant in the trial now underway in County Court in Riverhead, said through his legal representative that he will turn in papers later this week.
The Suffolk County Attorney's office, which is representing Levy, will then have several days to respond before acting State Supreme Court Justice James F.X. Doyle issues a decision in the matter.
Levy's spokesman, Dan Aug, said late Monday that Guldi's attempt to subpoena Levy was an attempt to "distract the jury from the very serious charges that have been leveled against him. The county executive has nothing to do with the charges filed against this desperate defendant."
Guldi had Levy served with a subpoena earlier this month when Levy spoke at a news conference in Huntington Station. Levy has sought to quash the subpoena by Guldi, who is representing himself at his criminal trial in Riverhead.
Levy, who is being represented in the matter by the county attorney's office, has said in legal papers that testifying would "seriously interfere with his government duties."
Guldi is charged with insurance fraud in connection with a fire that destroyed his Westhampton Beach home in November 2008. He is also facing a later trial on what prosecutors have described as Guldi's involvement in an $82 million mortgage fraud scheme.
In the current case, Guldi is accused of forging an endorsement on an insurance check for $853,000. The check was made out to both Guldi and his mortgage lender and it required endorsement from both parties. Guldi is accused of forging the mortgage lender's endorsement, according to court papers.
