The plaintiff alleged a conspiracy to defraud her arising from transactions involving the sale of a ranch and Percheron horses. At trial, the plaintiff called defendant’s alleged co-conspirator to testify against Mr. Ochrach’s client. However, Mr. Ochrach had thoroughly investigated this witness and the plaintiff and, on cross-examination, impeached the witnesses almost every minute. In fact, after about 30 minutes of of cross-examination, the alleged co-conspirator — who was really a co-conspirator with the plaintiff — began pleading the 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination to every question. Mr. Ochrach had destroyed his credibility.
In the end, the judge entered a decision exonerating Mr. Ochrach’s client of any wrongdoing — a complete defense victory.
