Introduction to the Case
New developments surfaced Tuesday in the federal arson case against former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner Lynn Price. Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to deny a motion to dismiss the indictment against Lynn, rejecting claims of a conflict of interest involving attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins.
Background Information
The U.S. government filed a formal response denying Lynn’s claims that attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins had a conflict of interest when she later represented his co-defendant, John Lee Price. Lynn’s legal team previously argued that Quinones-Hollins’ involvement violated his right to a fair trial, alleging she facilitated conversations between John Lee Price and federal prosecutors while having a prior attorney-client relationship with Lynn.
The Conflict of Interest Claim
According to federal prosecutors, Quinones-Hollins last represented Lynn in 2016 on an unrelated federal tax fraud case. In 2021, both parties mutually agreed she would no longer serve as his attorney, and the government said she was never involved in his arson case. Prosecutors also noted Quinones-Hollins’ role in the FBI’s investigation was incidental. She participated in a phone call during surveillance but did not act as Lynn’s legal representative at the time.
Request to Deny Motion
In their filing, the government asked the court to deny Lynn‘s motion to dismiss the indictment or suppress evidence tied to John Lee Price, arguing there’s no basis to claim a conflict or suppress evidence. The government also requested a hearing to further address whether a potential conflict exists and whether Quinones-Hollins and attorney Moore should remain as counsel for John Lee Price.
Charges Against Lynn
Lynn faces three federal charges for allegedly orchestrating the June 2020 arson at Bar 5015 in Houston. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.
History of the Relationship
The relationship between Lynn and attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins dates back to at least 2020, when Quinones-Hollins represented Lynn in a separate federal case in Houston. The filing claims that while Quinones-Hollins was still representing Lynn, the alleged arson at Bar 5015 took place between April and June 2020. Lynn‘s attorneys argue that because of the ongoing relationship, the attorney had a duty to protect his rights even after that case concluded.
Allegations of Conflict of Interest
Court documents reveal that after John Lee Price was charged in a separate Mississippi drug case in 2023, he quickly agreed to cooperate with federal investigators in the unsolved Houston arson case. Attorneys for Lynn allege that Quinones-Hollins helped facilitate those proffer sessions and plea negotiations while knowing she previously represented Lynn, creating a conflict of interest. The motion claims that federal prosecutors should have flagged the conflict but did not, and that key evidence, including statements from John Lee Price implicating Lynn in the arson, resulted from multiple meetings arranged with the assistance of Quinones-Hollins.
Response from Letitia Quinones-Hollins
Letitia Quinones-Hollins stated, “The allegations made are not true and the facts will be flushed out as they are.” She added that Lynn Price has had other court cases since 2021 and she did not represent him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the federal arson case against former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner Lynn Price has taken a new turn with the government’s request to deny the motion to dismiss the indictment. The case highlights the complexities of attorney-client relationships and the potential for conflicts of interest. As the case continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor the developments and the outcome of the hearing to determine whether a potential conflict exists and how it may impact the trial.
