Rigases Claiming Double Jeopardy

John and Timothy Rigas are claiming the government is prosecuting them twice on the same tax evasion and conspiracy charges. The Adelphia founder and his son have filed a motion in U.S. Middle District Court asking charges to be dismissed because they amount to double jeopardy or duplicate prosecution. The two are scheduled for trial in July on charges they obstructed the Internal Revenue Service from collecting more than $300 million in taxes on money they illegally obtained from Adelphia. The Rigases contend the charges are based on the same alleged illegal activity for which they were convicted in New York in 2004 on conspiracy, bank fraud and security fraud charges. They were acquitted of wire fraud. John Rigas is serving a 15-year prison term and his son 20 years. Both have maintained their innocence.

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