Missing Connecticut Mom Jennifer Dulos Update: Fotis' Trial Begins, Troconis Must Answer Questions
On Tuesday morning, Fotis Dulos will report back to court regarding the civil suit that he is facing. This appearance will mark the first time that he will be taking the stand since the May 24 disappearance of his wife, Jennifer Dulos.
While speculation has surrounded Fotis in terms of his involvement pertaining to the mother of five's whereabouts, both he and his one-time girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, have only been charged with hindering prosecution and evidence tampering at this time.
The civil suit that will be addressed in court was brought into existence by Gloria Farber, Jennifer's mother. Farber is suing Dulos and his real estate business, Fore Group, for over $2 million. As reported by CBS News, Farber alleges that Fotis still owes her more than a quarter of the aforementioned amount from an investment she made in the business, which he alleges was a gift.
Due to the fact that this will be the first time that the public is hearing from Fotis on a witness stand, it could potentially cause some complications down the road in terms of any criminal proceedings.
When asked by CBS News correspondent Mola Lenghi if this created new complications and added more pressure, Norm Pattis, who is acting as Fotis' attorney, responded, "Yes and yes, it's a profoundly complicated question."
However, it remains to be seen how much Fotis could say on the stand as he has been under a court-issued gag order for quite some time. Previously, Pattis argued that the order should be lifted so that his client could more appropriately defend himself. At this time, a final ruling has not been made on the matter as it is set to go to the state Supreme Court on Dec. 12.
Leading up to the trial, Farber had taken several other steps regarding the ongoing case. In September, her attorney filed a motion and memorandum that stated that she would like to see his "personal accounts and his company's books." She had also alleged that he had funneled "substantial" amounts of money through Fore Group and requested that a "protective order" be put into place to prevent Fotis and his legal team from accessing years of Farber family financial records.
As for Michelle Troconis, the Stamford Advocate reports that she has been ordered by Hartford Superior Court Judge Cesar Noble to "answer a limited number of questions during a deposition" regarding the civil suit. The information that she is now ordered to provide includes information on her background, such as "where she was born and whether she has an Argentinian passport, and whether she saw her former boyfriend conducting business transactions in Florida and Colorado."
Previously, Troconis refused to answer anything during a 45-minute deposition and invoked the Fifth Amendment each time she was asked a question. It has also been reported that she has since moved out of the home that she once shared with Fotis.
At this time, both Fotis and Michelle Troconis are out on bond.
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