Posted on 01/03/2003 2:58:02 PM PST by Shermy
ORLANDO, Fla. -- An arrest warrant was issued Friday for the nephew of local gift shop magnate Jesse Maali for allegedly threatening to kill a government witness, according to Local 6 News.
Jessee Maali was arrested last year for allegedly hiring illegal immigrants to work in his gift shops on International Drive.
Shortly after his arrest, two attempts were reportedly made on the life of a federal drug informant in the case, Local 6 News reported.
According to court records, Maali Fuad Maali, Jesse Maali's nephew, tracked down a friend of the threatened government informant and pointed a gun to his head.
Investigators said that Maali told the friend that he had 48 hours to reveal where the informant was hiding.
Then, Maali allegedly stole the friend's wallet and reportedly said "now I know where you live," according to the Local 6 News report.
Soon after, a package appeared on the friend's doorstep with a note that said, "I told you 48 hours," according to the report.
The bomb squad later determined the package was harmless.
Maali is now charged with extortion as well as armed robbery in connection with the threats since he allegedly stole the friend's wallet.
Prosecutors are asking a federal judge to reconsider Jesse Maali's bond. Although Jesse Maali is not directly implicated in the threats, the government said that his family's involvement is cause for concern, Local 6 News reported.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this breaking news story.
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This story is heating up.
Drugs now too??
A few days ago there was a story in the Orlando Sentinel about one of the arrested workers who agreed to a plea bargain and he will testify against Maali. I won't be surprised if he mysteriously disappears or is involved in some kind of fatal accident.
A big thanks for the Ping. I'm Orlando based and this guy is known locally as big time scum.
Thanks for ping!
This guy has big following in Islamic community here. If bail is revoked, there will be protests, etc, from the "peace loving" Islamics.
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