TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - University of Arizona Assistant basketball coach Emanuel Richardson is facing up to 60 years in prison and one and a half million dollars in fines if he's convicted on bribery and other charges connected to basketball recruiting.
Now we can hear Richardson's own voice in his first court appearance.
Emanuel Richardson is facing plenty of prison time and big fines if prosecutors convict him; but just hours after his arrest he was calm in his first appearance before Federal Magistrate Judge Thomas Ferraro.
The charges are from the Federal court district that includes New York City. The Judge asked Richardson is he wanted to waive his right to move the case to Arizona.
He asked, "Is this your signature on this document Mr Richardson and do you want to give up your right to the hearing I described?
Richardson: “Yes, Yes."
Tucson Attorney Brick Storts led Richardson through the first court appearance and helped get him out on bond but Storts will not be Richardson's attorney for trial in New York.
Judge Ferraro: "...and you will be retaining a lawyer back there. Is that correct Mr Richardson?”
Richardson: Yes.">
Richardson was released based on his promise to return for his hearings. He is only required to pay a fifty thousand dollar bond if he skips out.
Judge Ferraro asked, “Mr Richardson do you understand these conditions of release I've ordered?”
Richardson: “Yes, your honor, I understand."
Judge Ferraro: You promise to comply with these conditions of release?”
Richardson: "Yes I promise"
Judge Ferraro: “Make all your future court appearances and serve your sentence if one is imposed in your case?”
Richardson: “Yes, your honor I do.
Judge Ferraro: And your next court date before Judge Parker is when?”
Richardson: “October 10th, 10am.”
Judge Ferraro: “Thank you."
That appearance is in the busy New York Federal Court.
Judge Ferraro offerred some advice: “And remember you've got to get through metal detectors and if you've ever been in that building you're gonna want to get there earlier.”
Richardson: "I never have but I'll be there early."
