Man acquitted of murder conspiracy says his case was financially and racially motivated
COLUMBIA — A Columbia man acquitted of plotting to kill his ex-wife said his prosecution was malicious Friday. Special Judge Steven Ohmer dismissed the charges of conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree attempted assault and witness tampering against Mehrdad Fotoohighiam at the Boone County Courthouse. Fotoohighiam said the case against him was financially and racially motivated.
Fotoohighiam said, “That was definitely legal robbery. They used legal terms and all the law tricks that are available in the legal system to basically rob me of everything. I’m innocent. I’ve been proven in a court of law after 5 and a half years I am innocent, but they did that anyway. They cleaned me out. They bankrupted me and I’m indigent. They took everything of mine.”
Fotoohighiam said a corrupt justice system robbed the 67-year-old Columbia businessman of more than $10 million in money and assets. Prosecutors failed to prove Fotoohighiam plotted with 2 Boone County Jail inmates to kill his wife. Fotoohighiam asked state government leaders for justice reform. He said he wanted to expose corruption in Missouri’s justice system. Fotoohighiam planned to file a lawsuit to regain some of his losses.
Members of the St. Charles County Prosecutor’s Office argued the case against Fotoohighiam during this week’s trial. Prosecutors said in a statement to KRCG, “While we are disappointed in the dismissal of charges and continue to stand by our evidence, we will respect the court’s decision.”
