In his ex-parte motion, Thomas Sablan Salas, 42, through his court-appointed defense attorney David Banes, said the motion is made “on the grounds that such services of an investigator is necessary for an adequate defense.”
“[Salas] is financially unable to obtain such services,” Banes said.
He told the court that he has informed Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. O’Malley, the prosecutor, “in general terms” that the defense will be filing ex-parte motions for services and assistance.
Banes said the U.S. government discovery provided to the defense showed that “the government allegedly used a confidential informant to set up [Salas] and persuade [the defendant] to take bribes.”
“[Salas] claims he was working on investigating customers who attempted to bribe officials including himself,” Banes said.
Salas needs an investigator to search local police records and question witnesses about the defendant’s investigation and alleged pending criminal charges, Banes said.
Moreover, the defense attorney said “the discovery and allegations in the indictments reference numerous witnesses, searches, and locations.”
Salas has denied he extorted money from a business owner.
Salas was charged in federal court with one count of extortion under color of official right.
His jury trial will start on Dec. 13, 2010.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Salas on Sept. 14, 2010 after the building inspector received a total of $200 from an owner of a printing press “in exchange for withholding administrative functions” such as imposing fines for building code violations.
During his arrest, FBI agents seized the $100 sting money from Salas’ vehicle.
He has been released on his own recognizance.
