Tom Petters appeals, wants public to pay for lawyer

Article by: Associated Press
Updated: March 24, 2011 - 9:40 AM

He also wants the public to pay for it because he says he's destitute.

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The attorney for convicted Wayzata businessman Tom Petters filed the formal notice of appeal Tuesday to the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for both Petters' 20-count conviction and 50-year prison sentence.

Eric Riensche also asked that Petters be declared destitute and that Riensche be appointed Petters' attorney at public expense for the appeal.

Riensche noted that the corporate insurance policy that covered attorneys' fees for Petters' criminal case is not available during appeal.

In a supplement to the Riensche motion, Petters said, "I am not presently employed, nor do I have any source of income."

Petters' personal assets as well as his corporate assets have been under the control of a court-appointed receiver for the past 18 months.

Petters was convicted on fraud, conspiracy and money laundering charges for his role directing a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme. He was sentenced last week.

DAVID PHELPS

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