QUICK SUMMARY
U.S. District Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz criticized former Minnesota GOP operative Anton Lazzaro for allegedly attempting to deceive a juror from his sex trafficking trial. Lazzaro, currently serving a 21-year sentence, faces accusations of sending a fake survey to the juror in an effort to gather information for a new trial request.
U.S. District Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz condemned Anton Lazzaro for allegedly trying to deceive a juror from his 2023 sex trafficking trial. Lazzaro purportedly sent the juror a fake survey disguised as research, offering gift cards for participation. Judge Schiltz expressed deep concern over the harassment and deception involved in this act, stating that such behavior is outrageous. He prohibited Lazzaro from further contact with the juror without court permission. Serving a 21-year sentence for federal trafficking charges, Lazzaro is seeking a new trial based on alleged juror bias. His defense highlights inconsistencies in the juror's responses to both the fake survey and the original juror questionnaire. Federal prosecutors counter that nearly two years passed between the two surveys, making the juror's differing responses reasonable. The case underscores ongoing legal debates regarding juror misconduct and the integrity of trial processes.