After hearing the alleged victim of extortion’s side of the story, it was time for the defense lawyers for Keith and Marisa Hobbs to ask questions of him.
Brian Greenspan started disputing some of the earlier testimony of the alleged victim. Greenspan suggested, “the Hobbses didn’t ask for this $10,000 cheque. You offered it.” Greenspan continued on this line of attack, adding, “Keith Hobbs thanked you and tore the cheque up.” The alleged victim disputes this and suggests in the end the Hobbses only later brought the cheque back the next day.
Greenspan kept up his questioning posing to the alleged victim that the Hobbses never wanted the money outright, only a loan to help them with their financial difficulties.
The alleged victim got heated in his answers and said that the former Mayor had relentlessly petitioned him for a security job with the alleged victim.
He also suggested the former mayor said he could use bug sweeping equipment from the local police force to check the alleged victims many homes. Greenspan denied the alleged victim’s claims. The defense lawyer also said the Hobbses financials are now in good standing.
Greenspan read from text messages the alleged victim sent to Marisa Hobbs, saying he could “charge Mary Voss with extortion if she didn’t sign a new agreement for a house.”
The alleged victim’s messages read to Marisa that she and Keith are his good friends, he doesn’t want to harm them, and that it isn’t a threat against the couple. The alleged victim pushed for Voss to buy the cheaper house and said he will not buy a house over $269,000. This lead Marisa Hobbs to text that she needs to stay out of this, and that the house is an issue between Mary and the alleged victim.
Other shocking evidence was provided via text messages between the alleged victim and one of the accused, however, it is covered under several publication bans.
It’s expected cross-examination will take place on Monday when court resumes. Keith & Marisa Hobbs and their co-accused Mary Voss are charged with extorting a $400,000 house from the alleged victim.
