Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has hired a fourth lawyer to join his legal team, following last week’s bombshell reports of juror misconduct.
Attorney Marc Fernich now joins Jeffrey Lichtman, Eduardo Balarezo and William Purpura in defending the runty kingpin, who was convicted earlier this month on a raft of drug-trafficking charges.
Fernich entered his appearance Monday, just days after a juror told Vice News they’d ignored Judge Brian Cogan’s instructions to avoid media — and even lied to the judge when asked if they’d seen certain stories.
While Fernich did not immediately return messages, his website says his professional focus is on “sophisticated appeals and legal motions that can toss charges at the trial level or pave the way for future appeals.”
Guzman’s attorneys last week said they intend to file a motion for a new trial.
Fernich’s list of previous clients includes Gigi Jordan, the mother convicted of killing her autistic son, and various accused crime bosses.
He and Lichtman have worked together previously — they were part of the team that succeeded in getting John “Junior” Gotti acquitted in 2005 on a $25 million securities fraud charge.
Guzman’s sentencing is currently scheduled for June 25.