In these Qcitymetro.com file photos, Harriet and Anthony Jinwright, former co-pastors of Greater Salem Church in west Charlotte, are seen entering the federal courthouse in uptown Charlotte during the opening days of their trial on charges relating to tax evasion. Both were found guilty and sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution. (Photos: Glenn Burkins)

It’s been a while since we gave Qcity readers an update relating to the trial, conviction and appeal of Anthony and Harriet Jinwright.

In recent days, the federal court systems have seen a flurry of developments:

Jinwright lawyers ready a long appeal

After requesting and receiving additional time to file an opening brief in the Jinwright’s appeal, lawyers representing the couple appear to be putting the finishing touches on a lengthy document.

On Oct. 20, they filed a motion with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals seeking permission to file a brief exceeding the 14,000-word limit normally imposed by the court. In this case, the Jinwright lawyers said, they would need 21,000 words.

The lawyers -- Ann Hester, an assistant federal defender, and Joshua Davey of the McGuire Woods law firm in Charlotte – said, “…a brief of this length is necessary for full consideration of their claims.”

They also cited the voluminous amount of paperwork produced by the Jinwright trial (19 days) and sentencing hearing (two days). The joint appendix in the case, they noted, numbered 9,609 pages.

To get a preview of the legal arguments likely to surface in Jinwrights’ appeal, click the link above.

Feds go after more Jinwright assets

We told you earlier about efforts by the federal government to seize financial assets belonging to Anthony and Harriet Jinwright (Dispute swirls around Jinwright insurance policies). Apparently, the feds aren't done.

Earlier this month, U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler signed an order demanding that two financial institutions turn over assets belonging to the Jinwrights. The documents did not indicate the value of the accounts.

As of the Oct. 3 filing date for those documents, Anthony Jinwright had been credited for $76,216 toward the $1,279,856 he was ordered to pay in restitution, leaving a balance of $1,203,639.

As of that same date, Harriet Jinwright had been credited with $75,317 toward the $1,285,056 she was ordered to pay in restitution, leaving a balance of $1,209,739.

Former Jinwright church faces mounting bankruptcy costs

As the bankruptcy process winds down for Greater Salem Church, which the Jinwrights once co-pastored, a litany of court-related bills are starting to come due.

• Robert E. Weld, the chief restructuring officer assigned to the case, recently submitted a bill requesting a $76,986 payment for 366.6 hours of work, or $210 a hour.
• Burton Shuford, an attorney for the restructuring officer, is requesting $4,308.
• D. Gregory Cox, a commercial real estate broker who advised the chief restructuring officer, has requested $2,560.

An employee who works in the clerk’s office at the bankruptcy court in Charlotte said those bills would be passed to the church. Those totals do not include bills submitted by the lawyer hired to represent the church.

On Oct. 6, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge George Hodges approved a plan that would soon lead to Greater Salem’s exit from bankruptcy court.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
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