Lawyer: Philadelphia basement suspect tired, lethargic

[The Northerner]

PHILADELPHIA — The suspected ringleader of an alleged Social Security fraud scheme in which police say mentally disabled people were held captive in a basement may not completely understand the seriousness of the charges against her, her lawyer said on Monday.

Linda Ann Weston, 51, along with her boyfriend, Gregory Thomas, 47, and Eddie "the Rev. Ed" Wright, 50, are charged with kidnapping, assault, false imprisonment and other counts. At a brief initial court appearance on Monday, Municipal Judge Felice Rowley Stack scheduled a preliminary hearing for Dec. 19.

The suspects, all of whom are in custody and from Philadelphia, did not appear in court. A fourth person, Weston's daughter, Jean McIntosh, 32, is also charged and has a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. None of the suspects have entered pleas.

George S. Yacoubian Jr., a lawyer for Weston, said after the hearing that he has met with her and plans a more comprehensive interview to evaluate her mental state.

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/10/24/3467327/philly-basement-case-suspects.html

[kestrel91316]

1. Tired? Well I suppose it IS real hard work, abusing all those poor people for years.

[snagglepuss]

2. What system doesn't she know how to play?