Federal Judge Grants Poll Workers Access to Rudy Giuliani’s Yankees World Series Rings in Defamation Case
In a significant ruling on Saturday, a federal judge in New York authorized Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss, two Georgia poll workers who won a defamation suit against Rudy Giuliani, to obtain financial records regarding four Yankees World Series rings owned by the former New York City mayor. The order permits Freeman and Moss to subpoena Giuliani’s accounting firm for his tax returns, aiming to verify the rings’ ownership status and determine if they can be used to help satisfy part of the $148 million judgment against Giuliani.
Dispute Over Rings’ Ownership
Freeman and Moss received the substantial judgment after Giuliani falsely alleged that the mother and daughter committed election fraud while processing ballots in Georgia’s Fulton County in 2020. They are now targeting Giuliani’s assets, including the valuable rings, which are estimated to be worth over $200,000 collectively. Giuliani claims he gifted the rings to his son, Andrew, as a tax-free transfer, complicating the plaintiffs’ collection efforts. However, Rachel Goodman, the attorney for Freeman and Moss, argued that reviewing evidence of tax planning, or the absence of it, could clarify whether the gift was genuine or an attempt to evade asset forfeiture.
Rings Estimated to Be Worth $200,000
The World Series rings, each carrying significant value and sentiment, could partially compensate Freeman and Moss as they pursue full payment from Giuliani. Earlier this week, the judge warned Giuliani of potential contempt proceedings if he fails to transfer his eligible property to Freeman and Moss by Monday’s deadline, adding urgency to the case.
Consequences of Defamation Verdict
Last year, a federal jury determined that Giuliani’s false statements inflicted substantial reputational harm on Freeman and Moss, leading to the multimillion-dollar judgment. This recent court order grants the plaintiffs additional means to probe Giuliani’s financial dealings, ensuring transparency as they seek restitution.