Former San Francisco real estate investor to represent himself in trial over accused pandemic-era fraud scheme

Luke Brugnara, a 62-year-old former San Francisco real estate investor already convicted once for fraud, will represent himself at trial on nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering tied to over $400,000 in pandemic-era federal relief funds. Senior U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney repeatedly warned him against it, citing his unfamiliarity with courtroom procedure and evidence rules, before ultimately allowing it under the law.

Brugnara pointed to his 2015 art-fraud trial as proof of his self-representation skills, despite being held in contempt multiple times during that proceeding and ultimately convicted on several counts. He now faces up to 20 years per wire fraud count and 10 per money laundering count if convicted again.

Brugnara accused the prosecutor of orchestrating a conspiracy against him and predicted that his boss would be fired by the president if Brugnara wins. The judge set trial for Oct. 19 after Brugnara demanded an immediate date, citing his health and custody conditions.

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