Joe Exotic’s lawyer urges release, citing new evidence challenging his murder-for-hire conviction.
DALLAS — Joe Maldonado-Passage, more widely known as “Joe Exotic,” is back in the spotlight as his attorney publicly called for his release, citing new evidence that challenges his 22-year federal prison sentence.
Maldonado-Passage, a former Oklahoma zoo operator who gained worldwide fame through the Netflix series “Tiger King,” was convicted in 2020 of multiple charges, including two counts of murder-for-hire and wildlife violations.
At a press conference Thursday, attorney Levi McCathern, who also represents Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, alleged significant flaws in the case, highlighting false witness testimonies.
“Joe Exotic did not hire anyone to murder anyone,” McCathern stated, arguing that witnesses, including Allen Glover and James Garretson, committed perjury under government pressure. McCathern pointed to “new evidence,” including recordings and affidavits where these witnesses admitted to lying during their testimony.
“It was clear when you see the recordings that James Garretson made, it demonstrates that Joe …