STAMFORD, Conn. — After months of court dates and closed-door conversations, Michelle Troconis is once again going to trial for a contempt charge brought against her during another trial that took place earlier this year.
Troconis appeared alongside her attorney in a Stamford courtroom on Wednesday to face the latest charge.
“I’m surprised this is still being pursued but we need to deal with the charge,” said Robert Frost, Michelle Troconis’ Defense Attorney.
It all follows a conviction on conspiracy to commit murder, among other charges, in connection to the death of Jennifer Farber Dulos. Troconis is currently serving 14 and a half years after a jury of her peers found her guilty back in March.
The contempt charge stems from a moment during the trial, where prosecutors believe Troconis intentionally displayed sealed court documents on her computer for the public to see. Those documents involved the contentious divorce between Jennifer and her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos. Dulos was Troconis’ boyfriend, who attempted suicide and later died after being charged in connection to Jennifer’s murder.
Prosecutors said Troconis was well aware that the document was sealed.
“Each time it was reiterated by Judge Randolph on the record during trial that this report was to remain sealed, because it was discussed quite a bit during that lengthy trial,” said Elizabeth Moran, assistant state’s attorney.
The state has said the document was blown up in large font. Frost argued that it was not easily legible from a distance. Though the trial was being livestreamed by a TV news videographer, he said his client’s laptop wasn’t supposed to be shown on camera.
“And because they happened to do something they weren’t supposed to do, and someone who was aligned with the victims’ family was upset about it, it then got elevated to a contempt allegation,” Frost said.
In court Wednesday, the judge granted the request for Frost to subpoena that photographer to testify in court.
During the hearing, Frost also asked for clarification on the contempt charge itself.
“Analogizing it to a drug case, is this just mere possession, or do we have an intent to distribute, theory the offense,” Frost said.
The state said they believe Troconis both wrongfully had that document and intended for people to see it.
“I did do my best to clarify that the state would be pursuing under both theories of possession and publicizing the sealed document,” Moran said.
Following the proceeding, the Troconis family spoke with reporters outside of court.
“My daughter’s wrongful conviction resulted from a violation of her constitutional rights, ineffective counsel, and denial of due process,” said Dr. Carlos Troconis, Michelle’s dad.
“My sister is innocent. And she’s paying the price for the crimes of others,” Daniela Troconis said. “Critical evidence to her defense was excluded from the trial, leading to a misinformed jury, and an unjust conviction.”
The trial date for the contempt charge is set for March 11, 2025, but the attorneys will meet again in February. At that time, Frost said he hopes to waive jury selection and bring the case to a bench trial.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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