FBI Knew of Stolen Segal E-mails

The government admitted in a court filing that they were aware that a hacker sent stolen e-mail documents to three government witnesses even before former Near North owner Michael Segal’s arrest on racketeering and insurance fraud charges.

The defense is looking forward to further discussion of the issue. Judge Castillo said that he would rule on both the defense motion to request an evidentiary hearing and on the government motion to quash at a status hearing on Aug. 6.

“We look forward to the further discussion and the court’s rulings on Aug. 6,” a Near North spokesman said. “The government’s recent admissions give us cause for optimism that the true facts of the case will come out. Perhaps these additional facts will bring to light the broader ethical and constitutional issues raised in this case. We are still hopeful for an evidentiary hearing that will allow more of the facts of the case to be exposed.”

Near North Insurance Brokerage and a Segal secretary have also been charged in the alleged scheme to embezzle more than $20 million from a Near North premium trust fund account.