Partial Acquittal in Washington Square Park Drug Ring Case, Defense Plans on Appealing Narcotics Conviction

A federal jury acquitted John Livigni of a firearm charge in the Washington Square Park drug trial. The jury convicted him of narcotics conspiracy with special findings. Elena Fast and Michael Perkins represented him at trial.

The New York Times reported that the defense argued that Mr. Livigni’s group sold drugs two blocks from the park and did not join the dealers inside it in a single conspiracy. Showing jurors photographs of 15 dealers she said were outside his network, Fast said, “Everybody sells in the park.” She asked, “What about these guys?”

Fast said the defense was grateful for the firearm acquittal and would pursue an appeal of the conspiracy conviction. Sentencing remains ahead.