George Zimmerman is currently back in custody in Seminole County, Fla., after his bond was revoked by a judge on Friday. News broke that Zimmerman had misled the court about his financial situation and secured a new passport two weeks after killing Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara, has already stated that this turn is a blow to his credibility, and now a statement from Zimmerman’s defense website acknowledges that Zimmerman deceived the court:
“The audio recordings of Mr. Zimmerman's phone conversations while in jail make it clear that Mr. Zimmerman knew a significant sum had been raised by his original fundraising website. We feel the failure to disclose these funds was caused by fear, mistrust, and confusion.”
So, Zimmerman led the court astray because he of how he was being portrayed by the media? Here’s a breakdown of the finances in question, courtesy of Zimmerman’s legal team:
Of the original $204,000 raised by Mr. Zimmerman's fund, approximately $150,000 was transferred to the Legal Defense Fund. $30,000 was used to make the complicated transition from private life in Sanford to a life in hiding as a defendant in a high-profile court case. The balance of approximately $20,000 was kept liquid to provide living expenses for the first several months as the legal process unfolds.
However, his website states: “The gravity of this mistake has been distinctly illustrated, and Mr. Zimmerman understands that this mistake has undermined his credibility, which he will have to work to repair.”
If he was already being crucified by the media, how is this going to make him look when it comes time for the trial? Despite Zimmerman's deception, ABC News reports that his defense website has seen an increase in donations since he was ordered back to jail.
Zimmerman's credibility may have been weaken, but his support is still strong.
[via DCist]
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