A federal judge has told former New York state Sen. Pedro Espada and his lawyer that they must work together even though both want to dissolve the relationship.
Espada was convicted in May of looting the Bronx nonprofit that he founded and led. He is still facing a federal tax evasion trial in Manhattan.
The New York Times reports that Espada's tax lawyer had asked Judge William H. Pauley III to allow him to withdraw from the case.
The lawyer, Daniel Hochheiser, said Espada had not paid his bill. Espada said Hochheiser had not represented him correctly.
Pauley told the two men Thursday that they would have to find a way to get through the trial together. They said they would.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
