MINNEAPOLIS – A big-time financier of Minnesota Republicans, Anton Lazzaro, has denied sex-trafficking allegations against him and claims the government has targeted him for political reasons. Also, he says, people are jealous of his wealth. Lazzaro’s defenses are in legal documents filed ahead of his trial in federal court in Minneapolis. The trial begins Tuesday. Lazzaro’s attorney, Stacy Bettison, called the government’s application of a federal sex trafficking statute to Lazzaro’s case as “unusual.” In a statement to the Associated Press, Bettison said: “Mr. Lazzaro believes he is being targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice for his political activities.” This is a defense also being floated by former President Donald Trump in a hush-money case with porn actress Stormy Daniels. Lazzaro, Bettison said, “is not alone” in his view that the U.S. Department of Justice is politicizing prosecution: “Many other individuals, including many members of Congress and most recently the Senate Judiciary Committee, have recently raised legitimate and credible concerns that Attorney General Merrick Garland is politicizing the Department by aggressively investigating Republicans and conservative activists like Mr. Lazzaro.” Prosecutors say they have limited their case strictly sex-trafficking. Their court documents have not signaled any intent to call political figures as witnesses. Nor has Bettison. Judge Patrick Schiltz has sided with prosecutors and rejected Lazzaro’s claims that he’s been singled out..
Bettison. A University of Minnesota law graduate. She holds an undergrad degree in communications, political science and law from Emerson College.
Bettison profile
Partners in the Kelley Wolter law firm in Minneapolis describe Battison as representing “clients of all of types in high-stakes litigation.” These include individuals accused of a sex crime, the partners noted. Besides her law practice, Bettison owns a public relations firm specializing in crisis communications.
Earlier: Lurid details against Lazzaro in court docs
Earlier: Minnesota GOP promises post-scandal clean slate
Earlier: GOP agrees to fines for campaign finance lapses
Earlier: Another plea in GOP-linked sex trafficking case
Earlier: Lazarro: Not guilty to sex-ring indictment
Earlier: Guilty plea in state GOP sex scandal
Earlier: GOP bids adieu to Carnahan; $37,000 severance
Earlier: GOP leader tells her side of Lazarro relationship
Earlier: Lazarro attorney: He’s innocent
Earlier: Details unsealed in GOP sex-dealing case
Earlier: St. Thomas suspends indicted GOP student leader
Earlier: GOP leaders huddle on sex ring issues
Earlier: Minnesota GOP: High drama in high places
Earlier: Sex-ring scandal touches high GOP office-holders
Earlier: Congressmen disavow Lazarro, return donations
Earlier: Sex scandal prompts pressure on GOP chair to resign