On the same day that a judge released more than 150 pages of documents generated by the process of obtaining and executing on a search warrant, Carlos Ortiz quietly had another court appearance, for a so-called “dangerousness” hearing that was continued to August 14. And while the session didn’t reveal much, Ortiz’s lawyer had plenty to say after the hearing.
According to the Boston Globe, attorney John Connors told reporters that Ortiz is not cooperating with police in the case against Hernandez.
“I don’t believe anything that comes out like that,’’ Connors said. “He’s been talking to me. At this point he’s charged with carrying a gun, that’s all he’s been charged with.”
Connors’ comments conflict with an affidavit that reportedly contends Ortiz was interviewed by police the day before Hernandez was arrested.
It’s possibly just a conjugation issue. Ortiz isn’t currently cooperating police. But maybe he already told them everything they need to know.
Connors also expressed frustration regarding the media coverage devoted to his client.
“If you look at Rhode Island, Providence, in six months ten people murdered, I don’t think I’ve seen one camera out there,’’ Connors said. “Because of the fact that one of the them is an NFL player here, you have cameras everywhere.”
If Connors is trying to understand why the cameras are there, he just answered his own question. A high-profile NFL player has been charged with murder, and it’s a magnet for media coverage.
Ortiz also could be a magnet for bodily harm, if Connors were to acknowledge that Ortiz has “flipped” on Hernandez. So the smart thing for Connors to do was to say Ortiz isn’t cooperating -- even if he really is.