Fact Check: "Two men acquitted in 2005 trial cost nearly $60 million."
What We Know
The claim that "two men acquitted in a 2005 trial cost nearly $60 million" appears to be a misrepresentation of various legal and financial events. The closest relevant case involves a fraudulent scheme related to candy vending machines, which resulted in losses totaling approximately $60 million for consumers. This scheme was prosecuted in 2015, and involved multiple individuals, but it does not specifically relate to a 2005 trial or acquittals (source-2).
Additionally, the claim may be conflated with costs associated with other legal proceedings, such as the ongoing expenses related to the Guantánamo Bay detention facility, which reportedly cost nearly $60 million annually for its legal proceedings (source-3). However, these costs are unrelated to the acquittal of any specific individuals in 2005.
Analysis
The assertion that two men acquitted in a 2005 trial cost nearly $60 million lacks direct evidence and seems to be based on a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of facts. The only significant financial loss reported around that time was related to the Vendstar scheme, which involved multiple defendants and was not limited to a 2005 trial or acquittals (source-2).
Moreover, the mention of costs associated with Guantánamo Bay does not pertain to any specific trial or acquittal but rather reflects ongoing operational expenses that have been criticized for their high costs (source-3).
The sources referenced provide a clear picture of the financial implications of various legal proceedings but do not support the claim in question. The lack of credible evidence linking a 2005 trial's acquittal to a $60 million cost further undermines the validity of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "two men acquitted in a 2005 trial cost nearly $60 million" is misleading and unsupported by credible evidence. The financial losses associated with the Vendstar scheme and other legal costs are unrelated to any specific acquittal in 2005. Therefore, the assertion is not accurate.
Sources
- Former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell Sentenced To ...
- Six Convicted on Business Opportunity Fraud Charges
- Guantánamo Has Cost Billions; Whistleblower Alleges 'Gross' Waste - NPR
- Two Connected to Rowland Plead Guilty to U.S. Charges
- Trial of Michael Jackson
- Kevin Green - I'm the Real Estate Agent for You
- Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy
- Counting the cost of the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy