In face of objections from Kenosha County prosecutors, Mark Richards takes over as lead criminal attorney

Early Thursday afternoon after the preliminary hearing for Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha County, attorney John M. Pierce announced in a 2-part tweet he was removing himself from all criminal defense for Kyle Rittenhouse.

The two-part tweet transcribed for ease of reading:

“So that it does not take Kyle’s supporters by surprise, effective immediately I am taking over all civil matters for Kyle including his future defamation claims.

“I will also be orchestrating all fundraising for defense costs.

“The terrific Mark Richards will proceed in Wisconsin.

“Please tune into Newsmax at 7:50 a.m. tomorrow to see myself and Wendy Rittenhouse discuss the case and the new fundraising efforts that will commence tomorrow for Kyle’s defense.”

John M. Pierce via Twitter 12/3/20

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Going forward, Mark D. Richards of Richards & Dimmer, S.C. of Racine, WI will be Kyle Rittenhouse’s lead defense attorney.

This morning, the Kenosha County prosecutors raised objections against John M. Pierce and his associate Andrew Calderon, having issues with Pierce’s financial challenges, as well as Pierce’s targeting the “political right” for fundraising efforts and other reasons.

According to the Chicago Tribune:

“In a motion filed Thursday morning, Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger cited public records and news reports as he alleged that Pierce has ‘significant personal financial difficulties’ and argued that he should not be allowed to represent Rittenhouse because ‘money that should be held in trust for the defendant may instead be used to repay attorney Pierce’s numerous creditors.'”

Chicago Tribune, 12/3/20

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Richards told the Tribune in the same article it was a joint decision, and Pierce and his associate would focus on civil issues including defamation cases as well as fundraising.

The entire Tribune article can be viewed here.

More information about Mark Richards can be viewed here.