Tocchet's First Court Appearance Cancelled

[VodkaFish]

NEWARK, NJ - Kevin H. Marino, Esq., representing Rick Tocchet, released this statement:

On February 15, Rick Tocchet requested that the Attorney General's Office cancel his First Appearance and carefully review the evidence against him.

That First Appearance, which had been inaccurately described as an arraignment, was scheduled for February 21, 2006. This afternoon, the Court advised Tocchet that his First Appearance has in fact been cancelled.

In light of the illegal press leaks that have plagued this matter and the gross mischaracterization of this case that has appeared in the international media, we are extremely pleased that Rick Tocchet will not be subjected to the further public humiliation a First Appearance would entail. We remain hopeful that when the Attorney General's Office has completed its review of the charges against him, it will elect to dimiss this case rather than seek an indictment.

[VodkaFish]

The discussion surrounding Rick Tocchet and the alleged gambling scandal is currently being held here.