Judge rules convicted Midamar founder will remain in jail pending sentencing

Convicted 73-year-old Midamar Corp. founder William Aossey Jr. will remain in jail pending sentencing on 15 charges involving the sale of misbranded halal beef products and falsifying export documents and certificates, according to a judge's order Wednesday.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade said in her ruling that the defense failed show that Aossey, who has vast international connections, wouldn't pose a risk of leaving the country. The trial evidence and evidence presented by prosecutors at a detention hearing, along with a 'powerful incentive to flee following the jury's verdicts convince the court that detention is warranted,” she said.

Aossey was found guilty July 13, of 15 charges involving misbranding beef Midamar was exporting to Malaysia and Indonesia, claiming it met strict slaughtering standards. He was convicted of one count of conspiracy to make false statements, sell misbranded meat and commit mail and wire fraud; seven counts of making or causing false statements to be made on export applications; and seven counts of wire fraud. Of the original 19 charges, he was acquitted of four money laundering charges.

Based on sentencing guidelines, Aossey could face 8 to 10 years and possibly more in federal prison, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Murphy said two weeks ago. Sentencing hasn't been set at this time.

In the order, Reade reviews evidence presented during the detention hearing including Aossey's close friendship with Ali Al Herz, who along with three of his family members, are charged with smuggling guns to Lebanon. A prosecutor said there is no evidence linking Aossey to illegal firearms and the shipments, but Aossey authorized the loading of the containers, which had firearms and ammunition hidden in bobcats and among other items.

There was also testimony about Aossey, who claimed he had nothing to do with the container, becoming agitated when he learned the container was stopped and being searched by law enforcement, she said in the ruling. And the firearms that were hidden in one of the shipments from May were stored after purchase and before loading at a house owned by Aossey which he rented to Ali Al Herz.

Reade said Aossey also violated his pretrial release which prohibited contact with anyone engaged in criminal activity. Aossey associated with Ali Al Herz regarding the shipping containers.

Reade also questioned the stability of Aossey's local ties to the business, community, and his family, which the defense argued. Aossey's current connection to Midamar is unknown, she said, depending on who is asked. Aossey testified he wasn't the CEO or president and has turned over control to his sons, Jalel and Yahya, but they, along with Midamar and Islamic Services of America, which the sons also operate, face charges for conspiracy, falsifying export certificates, wire fraud and money laundering involving the same misbranding export scheme.

Reade said if they are convicted, the 'future of Midamar is in doubt,” as well as the future of Aossey's sons.

'The impact of all of this on Midamar's business is unknown,” Reade stated.