Zimmerman's Wife Arrested for Perjury
George Zimmerman's wife Shellie was arrested for perjury on Tuesday in connection with her husband's bail hearing. George Zimmerman's bail was revoked after Judge Kenneth Lester discovered that Shellie lied about the couple's financial situation.
Now Shellie Zimmerman will get her own day in court.
Shellie testified that the couple had limited funds while concealing more than $100,000 Zimmerman had collected from website donations. The warrant issued on Tuesday referenced Shellie's testimony in the hearing as the basis for her arrest.
Shellie's under-oath testimony and other statements may make it hard for her to fight this charge.
The prosecution already has recorded conversations between George Zimmerman and Shellie making cryptic references to their finances. To prove that Shellie is guilty of perjury, the prosecution will have to show that she knew about the funds raised at the now deactivated "TheRealGeorgeZimmerman.com."
Shellie testified at the bail hearing that she and her husband had essentially no money, reports the Orlando Sentinel. If prosecutor's can show that she knew about Zimmerman's internet income at the time she testified, they have a pretty solid case against her.
Shellie and George Zimmerman allegedly make coded references to the existence of more money than she eventually reported to the court. Whether they were talking in code or not will be a key determination. It also seems unlikely that Shellie will raise an affirmative defense. Prosecutors were the first to alert the judge of the Zimmermans' unreported funds and there is no evidence that her testimony was coerced.
If convicted of perjury, Shellie could face up to one year in prison as well as a $1,000 fine. She posted bail shortly after being arrested and the court has not yet set a hearing date. Her husband George Zimmerman is currently awaiting a second bail hearing, set for June 29.
Related Resources:
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George Zimmerman's wife charged with perjury (Associated Press)
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Perjury (FindLaw)
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Judge Orders Zimmerman to Jail for Lying to Court (FindLaw's Blotter)