The trial began on Aug. 4.
On Wednesday, the federal government, represented by assistant Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Backe, rested the prosecution’s case after calling in four federal and local enforcement officers to testify.
Backe also presented evidence, which included a forged U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services receipt, Piao’s 2014 and 2017 driver’s license application packets, among other things.
The court-appointed defense counsel, Colin Thompson, outside the purview of the jury, moved for acquittal, which Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona denied.
Thompson also told the court that he needed to talk to his client regarding testifying in open court. He requested a short continuance, which Judge Manglona granted.
Piao, who was also afforded an interpreter, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully produce an identification document.
He is currently out of custody after being released on his own recognizance.
According to the prosecution, between May 13, 2017 and May 16, 2017, Piao knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with another person to produce a false identification document in violation of U.S. law.
Piao was arrested and charged in October 2019.
