“Umf. Uh. yeah.”
“Have to be careful. Two more days till Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we met Pricilla Thomas, the Assistant District Attorney for the Federal judicial district covering Reno and Lake Tahoe. She also met Lazar and made it quite clear who was in charge. It looks like she is ready to start questioning Lazar, so I think we better get over there.
“Mr. Stennis, I will be recording this session, so that we have an accurate depiction of the conversation. This recording will not take the place of a signed affidavit and will be used to simply record today’s discussion for possible use in an affidavit. I hope you understand that this recording is in lieu of a court reporter. A court reported may or may not be necessary in the future, but for today, the recording will suffice. A copy of this recording will be made available to you. Let me advise though, anything your client says can and may be used against him in a court of law. Do you understand what I have covered?”
“Yes, ADA Thomas. My client and I understand.”
“Okay, then let me turn on the recording, and we can get underway. Ahem This is an informal discussion with Lazar Popović. Present is his attorney Jerry Stennis as well as representatives of the State patrol and Boston police department. I have explained that this recording could be used in a court of law, but that official documents would be generated should this become necessary. Council for Mr. Popović has agreed to the terms. My first question to you, Mr. Popović, do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”
“I do.”
“You understand that lying to a federal officer is a felony and punishable by up to ten years in jail per count?”
“I was not aware but don’t intend to tell any lies.”
“Fair enough. For the record, please state your full name.”
“Uh Lazar Matija Popović.”
“And your address?”
“1663 Piney Woods Drive. Reno, Nevada “
“Thank you. Are you an American citizen?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, now to some more interesting stuff. Please tell me how you came to have all those drugs in your possession.”
“Objection.”
“Yes, Mr. Stennis.”
“It has not been established that Mr. Popović was in possession of any drugs.”
“Fair point. Let me ask you a different way, Mr. Popović. Have you ever been in possession of large amounts of illegal controlled substances or street drugs?”
“Yes, I have.”
“Were you in possession of the drugs seized in a raid on your warehouse yesterday?”
“It was my warehouse, and I knew the drugs were there.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“Well, it is hard to answer your question truthfully.”
“How so?”
“I didn’t own the drugs.”
“I didn’t ask if you owned them, I asked if you were in possession of them.”
“Does possession mean that they are on my property?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Okay then, yes, I was in possession of the drugs.”
“Now to your other point. Who owned the drugs?
“See, I’m not really sure. I know who paid me to store them.”
“Okay, who was that?”
“Mr. Taggert.”
“The assistant city attorney for Reno Taggert?”
“The very same.”
“How did he pay you?”
“in cash.”
“You were paid how much in cash?”
“For that lot, three million give or take.”
“Where is the money now?”
“Still in my bedroom at my house. It’s a pretty big bundle.”
“I’ll bet it is. Back to Taggert.”
“Yes?”
“Do you have any idea who he is working for?”
“I do, but it would be conjecture. At least I know who Taggert said would be very disappointed it anything happened to the drugs before they were distributed.”
“Okay, who was that?’
“He mentioned Cortez.’
“Did he also mention Nikola Stanković?”
“He wouldn’t dare.”
“Tell me more.”
“Stanković has the power to eliminate Taggert just for saying his name.”
“So, he’s not involved in your deal?”
“Not to my knowledge.”
“Just Cortez and Taggert.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay, let’s take a break for a minute. We’ll be right back.”
