Burning Atlanta

I don't know a lot about this case but my "understanding" is that this guy knew damned well that his apatments were being rented to illegals and took steps to encourage it. Now, it semms, his lawyers are going to claim that "He didn't know.." Gee, how many times have I heard that from employers after they got caught with a bunch of illegal alien employees?

Alleged scumbag

In a major blow to the federal government, a federal judge ruled Tuesday that an indicted Lexington landlord can use his ignorance of the law as a defense in a harboring trial scheduled to start next week.

William Jerry Hadden, 69, goes to trial Monday on charges that he harbored 60 illegal immigrants by allowing them to rent apartments at two Cardinal Valley apartment complexes in Lexington.

The trial is thought to be the first time the federal government has prosecuted a landlord for renting to illegal immigrants, defense attorneys have said in court filings.

Hadden’s defense attorneys have steadfastly maintained his innocence and claim that the federal government is twisting the intent of harboring laws. Tuesday’s ruling will allow defense attorneys to argue that even if Hadden broke the law, he cannot be prosecuted because the law is confusing and vague and he did not understand it. My ass. And the fed may have enough evidence to show that he knew exactly what he was doing.