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Gene Kennedy ReportingA couple accused of stealing millions from the Davis School District in a text book scheme appeared in federal court. The couple pleaded not guilty.
One of the big bombshells today is that a book was found by the FBI in John and Susan Ross' home last week which prosecutors say the tells you how to change your identity. The U.S. Attorney told the judge that the couple is a flight risk and the judge has ordered them to surrender their passports.
The couples' attorney says they could have fled a week ago, and that the book belongs to their son, who is manic depressive. The prosecutors disagree.
Barbara Bearnson, U.S. Attorney, said "The book has nothing to do with the issue of manic depression, it has to do with changing your identity."
Prosecutors also say it's conflict of interest for Paul Gotay to represent both John and Sue Ross. Gotay claims the government has frozen some of the Ross' assets meant to pay him upfront.
Defense Attorney Paul Gotay: "I will represent Sue and John Ross even if I don't get paid. I'm in the twilight of my career. Some of you know that I have been involved in the criminal justice system for thirty years. This case has revved up my juices."
As for their attorney, we may know at a hearing next week whether he stays or goes.
John and Susan Ross used to work for the Davis County School District. Prosecutors accuse them of using a dummy company to photocopy textbooks and then allegedly sell them to the district at inflated prices and pocket the profits. Nearly $4 million dollars have been pocketed over five years.
