MIAMI (CelebrityAccess) — Former Miami Beach concert promoter Jack Utsick, who produced tours for artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Elton John before he was accused of stealing millions from investors in an alleged mail fraud scheme, has had the start date of his trial delayed.
The 73-year-old Utsick, will now face trial in a federal court starting on April 4th, after a Miami federal judge reluctantly delayed the trial after Utsick's defense attorney, Eric Lisann, told the court he needed more time to prepare. According to the Miami Herald, Lisann described case as a "massive, complicated" affair, however Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gonsoulin countered, stating that the case was straightforward, despite its scope.
U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga also agreed to schedule a competency hearing for Utsick, after Lisann claimed that his client was unable to contribute to his own defense due to his deteriorating health and his bipolar disorder.
Utsick has been charged with using millions illegally obtained from investors who thought they were investing in concerts to support his comfortable Miami lifestyle, which included a pair of luxury condos in South Beach, as well as collector cars, artwork and other living expenses between 1996 and 2006. Utsick was extradited from Brazil in 2014 to face charges and is currently a guest of the federal government at a detention center in Miami. – Staff Writers
