NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on the trial of fake German heiress Anna Sorokin (all times local):
2:20 p.m.
A New York prosecutor says fake German heiress Anna Sorokin told “lie after lie” in an elaborate scheme to defraud banks, hotels and friends.
Assistant District Attorney Catherine McCaw told a Manhattan jury in her closing argument that the evidence against Sorokin is “overwhelming.”
She said Sorokin squandered tens of thousands on a lavish lifestyle she couldn’t afford.
She showed jurors a series of forged financial records and identities that she said highlight Sorokin’s criminal intent.
Sorokin declined to testify during the more than three week grand larceny and theft of services trial.
She’s accused of passing herself off as an heiress with a 60 million euro fortune overseas.
Her attorney Todd Spodek says she intended to pay the money back.
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11:52 a.m.
A defense attorney says fake German heiress Anna Sorokin was merely “buying time” and intended to pay back the friends and banks she’s accused of swindling.
Attorney Todd Spodek told a Manhattan jury in his closing argument Tuesday that Sorokin had ambitious business plans and never intended to commit a crime.
He said Sorokin led an unethical and unorthodox lifestyle but was “enabled every step of the way by a system that favors people with money.”
Prosecutors say Sorokin bilked people and businesses out of $275,000 over a 10-month period.
They say she peddled bogus bank statements in applying for a $22 million loan to fund a private arts club.
Deliberations are expected later Tuesday.
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