Someone is 'Eavesdropping' on Luigi Mangione’s Phone Calls with Lawyers, Attorney Claims

Prosecutors are “eavesdropping” on Luigi Mangione’s phone conversations with his lawyer, his attorneys alleged in court on Friday. 

Mangione, 26, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday, April 25, for his arraignment on federal charges of stalking and murder in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the appearance, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Agnifilo alleged to the judge her team had received information that his calls with attorneys have been listened to by prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office — which is prosecuting a separate state case.

The alleged eavesdropping was “inadvertent,” Agnifilo was told, but she reiterated that measures be put in place to ensure Mangione is afforded the privacy required to protect his attorney-client privilege. 

Judge Margaret Garnett ordered Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic A. Gentile to produce a letter by May 2, assuring the court that Mangione is being provided an “appropriate line” to speak to his attorney.

With regards to allegations that the calls were overheard “inadvertently,” Judge Garnett asked Gentile to provide information on what the government is doing to ensure Mangione’s calls with his lawyers remain protected.

Gentile acknowledged the allegations and said they would look into the matter.

At Mangione’s arraignment on Friday, he appeared in khaki jail garb, with his hands behind his back as he entered the courtroom, packed with several of his fans.

He remained emotionless as the judge read out the charges against him. He looked down when the judge mentioned Thompson, asking Gentile about any other potential victims in the case.

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The judge has ordered the government to provide discovery by May 27, and said she aims to have a trial date set by Dec. 5.