Criminal defense attorney and former Florida Bar president Michelle Suskauer recently spoke with Suncoast News about the arrest of Jeff Knight in connection with a fatal Clearwater ferry crash, and why the timing of his arrest stood out. Her comments were also featured in Yahoo News and the Tampa Bay Times.
“I do find it unusual that there would be a warrant that would be pending and outstanding for a month before the warrant was served,” Suskauer said.
Suskauer noted that maritime investigations can take time, and suggested there may have been an informal arrangement between prosecutors and Knight’s attorney.
“I expect that there was a ‘handshake agreement’ that Knight could finish his time in the Bahamas before returning to U.S. soil as long as he cooperated with law enforcement when he landed home,” she explained.
Still, she acknowledged that the delay in serving the warrant could raise questions.
“Obviously it’s not a good look. These are very significant charges that were hanging over his head, and a warrant was outstanding for a month — and he was in the Bahamas.”
Read the full stories here:
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After Jeff Knight’s Arrest, Family Remembers Clearwater Ferry Crash Victim (Suncoast News)
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Jeff Knight Arrest: Family Remembers Clearwater Ferry Crash Victim (Yahoo News)
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Jeff Knight Arrested on Charges in Clearwater Ferry Crash (Tampa Bay Times)
Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times
