Fact Check: "Noviello's lawyer claims he posed no danger to anyone."
What We Know
The claim originates from statements made by Dan Leising, the lawyer representing Johnny Noviello, a Canadian man who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Leising characterized Noviello as a "very polite, quiet, unassuming man with a very simple life" and asserted that he "did not pose a danger to anyone" (CBC News).
Noviello had been convicted of serious offenses, including racketeering and drug trafficking, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, he served time in county jail and was on probation at the time of his arrest by ICE in May 2023. Leising emphasized that Noviello had not violated any terms of his probation and had no prior criminal record, stating, "Is he violent or anybody that you'd be afraid of if you walked by them on the street? Absolutely not" (CBC News).
Analysis
Leising's statements about Noviello's character and the lack of immediate danger he posed are significant in evaluating the claim. The lawyer's assertion is backed by the fact that Noviello had no prior criminal history and was described as unassuming. However, it is important to note that he had been convicted of serious crimes, which complicates the narrative.
While Leising's perspective is credible as he was directly involved in Noviello's legal representation, it is also essential to consider the potential bias in his statements. As a defense attorney, Leising may have a vested interest in portraying his client in a positive light, especially following a tragic event such as death in custody.
The context of Noviello's legal troubles—specifically, his convictions—does not negate Leising's claim but does provide a more nuanced view of the situation. The characterization of someone as "not dangerous" can vary widely based on individual perspectives and the severity of past offenses.
In summary, while Leising's statements are credible and reflect his professional assessment of Noviello, they should be viewed in light of the serious charges against him. The lack of violent behavior or prior criminal history supports the claim that he posed no immediate danger to others.
Conclusion
The claim that "Noviello's lawyer claims he posed no danger to anyone" is True. The lawyer's statements are consistent with the available evidence regarding Noviello's character and his legal history. While he had been convicted of serious crimes, the absence of a prior criminal record and the lawyer's description of him as non-threatening lend credence to the assertion that he did not pose a danger to the public.
