What to Know
- Jennifer Dulos has been missing since she dropped her children off at school on May 24.
- Her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, are facing criminal charges in the case.
- Fotis' attorney wants a gag order on the case removed so that his client can 'criticize his accusers' and publicly defend himself
The estranged husband of a missing New Canaan woman is fighting to speak out about her disappearance. Fotis Dulos and his legal team are calling a gag order in the case “unprecedented.”
Jennifer Dulos has been missing since she dropped her children off at school on May 24.
Dulos pleaded not guilty to charges of tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.
A judge granted the assistant state’s attorney’s request for a gag order in the case.
Fotis Dulos’ attorney Norm Pattis is asking the state supreme court for permission to appeal the gag order imposed by that lower court judge. In a brief filed on Wednesday, Pattis accused the state of feeding public speculation that his client is “ a murderer.” He said the order bars Dulos of clearing his name.
The order prevents attorneys, law enforcement, and potential witnesses from discussing the criminal case publicly.
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Pattis points out in this newly filed brief that the state has not charged Dulos with the crime of causing Jennifer’s disappearance.
He asked that the gag order be lifted so that Dulos can be free to “criticize his accusers” and “defend himself in the court of public opinion.”
Also Wednesday, both Troconis and Dulos were seen entering and exiting a West Hartford law firm.
Troconis was due to be deposed in the civil suit filed by Jennifer’s family over Fotis’ finances. She’s pleaded not guilty to the original charges of tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution brought against her, but has not entered a plea for the most recent tampering with evidence charge.
An attorney with knowledge of the deposition says Troconis was questioned for 90 minutes.
The family’s attorney told NBC Connecticut last week he wanted to ask her about her role in the Fore Group, Fotis’ real estate company and its business dealings.
The family, through their attorney, accuses Dulos of failing to pay back $5 million in business loans and mortgage payments.
Richard Weinstein, attorney for Jennifer’s mother Gloria Farber and the estate of her father Hilliard Farber, said the Farbers loaned Dulos millions for his business and for the Farmington home the couple shared with their five children. After Farber died, Weinstein said Dulos stopped repaying the money he owed and stopped making the mortgage payment on the home. After Jennifer and Fotis split, Troconis moved in to the mansion at 4 Jefferson Crossing. The property is now in foreclosure.
“Mrs. Farber, Gloria Farber paid every single month that mortgage payment while he was living there with Ms. Troconis,” said Weinstein.
Dulos’ attorney claims the loan was really a gift.
Dulos was not allowed to watch Troconis’ deposition in person because of a no contact order, and instead listened on closed circuit tv. He later entered Weinstein’s office to hear his accountant’s deposition.
