TLDR:
- California federal judge skeptical of VC’s request for new trial or acquittal
- Recent Ninth Circuit decision on “materiality” in federal criminal fraud statutes impacting the case
Article Summary:
The article discusses the case of Michael Rothenberg, a venture capitalist who was convicted of fraud. A California federal judge has expressed doubts about Rothenberg’s renewed request for a new trial or acquittal in light of a recent Ninth Circuit decision clarifying the concept of “materiality” in federal criminal fraud statutes. The judge seemed skeptical about whether Rothenberg was prejudiced by jury instructions addressing materiality. Rothenberg, who describes himself as a “millennial” venture capitalist, is seeking to challenge his conviction based on the recent Ninth Circuit ruling.
The case has brought attention to the importance of defining and understanding the legal concept of materiality in fraud cases. Rothenberg’s motion for a new trial or acquittal is based on the argument that the Ninth Circuit decision has implications for his case and the jury instructions he received during his trial. The judge’s skepticism on the impact of the recent ruling on Rothenberg’s conviction suggests a complex legal battle ahead for the venture capitalist.
