Previous Story
Quichocho insists Kim failed to prove racketeering claims
Disbarred lawyer Ramon K. Quichocho is insisting that businesswoman Jung Ja Kim failed to prove that he engaged in a “pattern of racketeering activity” and that the federal court should issue a judgment in his favor.
A party alleging a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) violation may demonstrate continuity over a closed period of proving a series of related predicates extending over a substantial period of time, said Quichocho and his counsel, Michael Dotts, in their supplemental brief.
The brief was in support of their motion for a judgment—notwithstanding the verdict—or for a new trial.
Quichocho and Dotts said that Kim failed to present any evidence that the predicate acts are the same or similar in purpose, results, participants, victims, or methods of commission.
“Therefore, the court should find that the predicate acts are not related,” the lawyers said.
Dotts said Quichocho and co-defendants are unable to list any specific fact to support the jury’s findings of money laundering, wire fraud, and a pattern of racketeering activity.
The jury trial in Kim’s racketeering lawsuit against Quichocho, his wife, and his law firm lasted almost two months.
In March 28, a federal jury reached a unanimous verdict, holding Quichocho, his wife, and his law firm liable to pay $2.4 million in damages to Jung Ja Kim, who filed a racketeering lawsuit against them.
The jury, however, found Kim liable to pay Quichocho and his law firm $48,221.67 in legal fees.
Quichocho and his wife, Frances, and co-defendants, through counsel Dotts, have asked the court to issue a judgment that favors them, despite the jury’s verdict.
In the alternative, the Quichochos asked for a new trial based on juror misconduct.
Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho recently ordered Quichocho’s disbarment from the practice of law in CNMI courts for professional misconduct in representing his then-client, Jung Ja Kim.
Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman also recently ordered a public reprimand against Quichocho for professional misconduct in connection with another Bar complaint filed by a couple.
