A Central Islip, N.Y., courtroom was cleared Tuesday morning after the federal marshal guarding defendant David Brooks, the former body-armor executive who has been on trial for 22 weeks for allegedly masterminding a $185 million investment scheme, said he saw Brooks accidentally drop pills on the floor.
Brooks, who is in federal custody, immediately tried to cover the pills with his foot, according to a Newsday report, but Eastern District Judge Joanna Seybert ordered the courtroom emptied, and the marshals discovered several pens filled with more than 20 more pills. Although it is unclear how Brooks obtained the pill-stuffed pens, or what drug the pills contained, the courtroom is under video surveillance and federal officials intend to review the tape.
