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Rep. Corrine Brown's lawyers seek to withdraw over "atmosphere of hostility and distrust"

Just two days after they signed on to represent Congresswoman Corrine Brown in her federal fraud trial, two attorneys are asking a judge to let them withdraw.

A motion filed by David Haas, also on behalf of Mark NeJame, says they’ve hit almost immediate road blocks in planning their case.

“The relationship between the undersigned and Corrine Brown has quickly deteriorated to the point of having irreconcilable differences. The nature of these communications are confidential, but suffice to say, irreconcilable differences exist and the relationship is strained where effective representation is compromised,” the motion says.

The motion further says that there is a difference of opinion on case management, how to properly prepare, and Brown’s availability.

“It has created an atmosphere of hostility and distrust not conducive to further representation,” the motion says.

A response filed by the US Attorney's Office says they are concerned about Brown's inability to secure counsel, and the impact that has on the current trial date of October 2016.

“At this juncture, at which Brown’s legal representation continues to be uncertain, those Court deadlines are becoming unrealistic. However, Brown must secure representation (lasting longer than two business days) so the Court and the government can meaningfully participate in case scheduling discussions,” the response says.

The response further says the US Attorney’s Office plans to question whether Brown should have counsel appointed to her and be responsible for reimbursing the court.

Haas says they are prepared to appear before the court, if requested, to “explain this unfortunate and unusual set of circumstances to the Court in greater detail.”

A judge has set a hearing on the motion for Tuesday, August 23.

Brown and her Chief of Staff Ronnie Simmons were federally indicted for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail and wire fraud, and other charges over their connection to a group called One Door for Education. The group has represented itself as an education non-profit, but the US government says it's a sham, and donations to the organization have instead been funneled to Brown, Simmons, and the former head of the organization Carla Wiley. Wiley previously pled guilty and has been assisting the government as their build their case.

In all, the trio is alleged to have collected around $800,000 in donations and only paying for two scholarships, totaling $1,200 combined. Prosecutors say the rest of the money went to personal expenses like travel and entertainment. The money was also allegedly funneled in to large events hosted by Brown or held in her honor, including a golf tournament and luxury boxes.

Brown is also accused of lying on tax filings about how much she was giving to charity.

The House Ethics Committee had previously formed an Investigative Subcommittee to look in to allegations against Brown, but they put their work on hold at the request of the Justice Department.

Brown has pled not guilty and claims the charges are politically motivated. If convicted, she could face more than 350 years in prison.

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