D.C. Madam Replaces Lawyer Again

WASHINGTON - Alleged D.C. madam Deborah Jeane Palfrey has told a judge she "has lost faith" in the attorney representing her in her criminal and civil cases -- the attorney who orchestrated the media attention surrounding Palfrey's racketeering and money laundering trial.

U.S. District Court Judge James Robertson has ruled Montgomery Blair Sibley will no longer represent Palfrey, and that at least temporarily, Palfrey will be representing herself, again.

Palfrey told the judge she preferred to not discuss the details of her falling-out with Sibley in open court, except to say, "I have lost faith in Mr. Sibley."

Robertson met with Palfrey and Sibley for almost two hours, before deciding to allow Palfrey to proceed pro se.

Sibley had been Palfrey's confidant since before her indictment in March 2007, as her attorney in a civil asset forfeiture case. Sibley was the person who initially drummed-up interest in Palfrey's case, by e-mailing reporters that she planned to sell the phone records from her Pamela Martin & Associates escort service, to raise money for her legal defense.

In open court Wednesday, Sibley made no reference to what event or events prompted the erosion of his relationship with Palfrey. Even after Palfrey announced her request to remove her lawyer, Robertson requested Sibley represent Palfrey during other motions before him. Sibley obliged.

This is not the first time Palfrey has cited irreconcilable differences with attorneys in her criminal case. Federal public defender A.J. Kramer was replaced soon after Palfrey's indictment. Attorney Preston Burton, known for representing Monica Lewinsky during President Clinton's impeachment, also curried Palfrey's disfavor.

Ironically, at the time Palfrey argued pro se that Sibley was the only attorney who could represent her properly in her criminal case. Judge Gladys Kessler, who initially presided over the case, eventually allowed Sibley to represent Palfrey in her criminal as well as civil cases.

It is unclear whether Palfrey will attempt to represent herself, or hire another attorney. Before allowing her to represent herself, Robertson warned her away from the notion, calling it "unwise." Regardless, Robertson told the parties Palfrey's trial will begin, as scheduled on April 7.

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