The criminal contempt proceedings involving Michelle Troconis, associated with the trial concerning the death of Jennifer Farber Dulos, have been postponed without a decision on the motion to dismiss filed by her attorney. Troconis appeared in Stamford Superior Court recently, where the case was deferred to June 18. This decision was made without addressing the motion submitted by her Stamford-based lawyer, Darnell D. Crosland.
Troconis faced charges of contempt of court after allegedly displaying a sealed custody report on a computer screen during her trial related to Farber Dulos’ death. Farber Dulos disappeared in May 2019, leading to a series of legal actions. Crosland, who did not represent Troconis in the criminal trial, asserted that the exposure of the report was accidental, contending that any display was inadvertent. He also highlighted that media personnel present during the trial were advised against capturing specific footage, and a cameraman reportedly focused closely on the defense table, inadvertently revealing the report on Troconis’ laptop.
During the court proceedings, a friend of Farber Dulos and spokesperson for the Farber family, Carrie Luft, allegedly noticed the sealed report and reported it to the prosecutors. Ultimately, the jury found Troconis guilty of multiple charges including conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with evidence. She was sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison in May 2024, followed by a five-year probation period.
Crosland’s motion to dismiss argues that the prosecution is attempting to impose an additional six months of incarceration, contending that Troconis is being unfairly penalized due to the case’s high-profile status. Prosecutors are anticipated to respond to the dismissal motion and other submitted motions in due course.
The case against Troconis is intertwined with the actions of Fotis Dulos, who is believed by authorities to have murdered Farber Dulos. At the time, the two were embroiled in a fierce divorce and custody dispute. Troconis, who was in a relationship with Dulos, lived with him in his Farmington mansion. Prosecutors presented videos during the trial showcasing Troconis’ interviews with law enforcement, accusing her of deceit regarding Farber Dulos’ disappearance. Fotis Dulos passed away in January 2020 following a suicide attempt while facing murder charges.