Man granted retrial because of sleepy attorney admits guilt

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A businessman who won a new trial because his first lawyer fell asleep during proceedings has pleaded guilty to fraud charges.

James Nassida pleaded guilty to wire and bank fraud at federal court in Pittsburgh this week. 

Federal agents say Nassida and his sister led a scheme to inflate borrower income and assets to obtain millions in fraudulent loans through their mortgage brokerage firm. 

Nassida’s sister killed herself after the two were convicted last year. 

However, a judge ruled Nassida was denied a fair trial because attorney Stan Levenson dozed off during the October trial where he was convicted.