Former plant owner charged over explosion, fire at facility

Authorities search for suspect in police officer's shooting

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Pennsylvania attorney who's defended high-profile clients including Amanda Knox and Robert Durst found himself on the other side of the courtroom, testifying against a man charged with picking a wad of cash from his pocket. Theodore Simon testified Thursday at the preliminary hearing for 27-year-old Rico Clark, Philly.com (http://bit.ly/28QuDUh ) reported. Clark, of Norristown, was ordered to stand trial on charges he reached into Simon's coat on June 8 and stole the cash while the attorney was at a newsstand. "I can't recall this ever happening to me, so I was kind of surprised," Simon testified. Simon, 65, was waiting for clothing alterations so he could pack for a trip to attend Muhammad Ali's funeral in Louisville, Kentucky, when a security guard in his office building showed him that USA Today had printed an edition commemorating Ali. That's when Simon went to the newsstand and bought four copies, he testified. Before he could take the newspapers and the change for his $20, Simon testified he felt "pressure" in his jacket pocket and grabbed Clark's hand — which was holding Simon's bankroll, bound with a rubber band. Simon gave chase, and a couple of bicycle officers helped Simon catch the man. Clark's attorney got Simon to acknowledge that he wasn't hurt and that he got his money back. Simon, a former president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said he's found that his new courtroom role is uncomfortable. "I'm a defense attorney. I can't help feeling bad for this guy," he said.

Amanda Knox's lawyer testifies against pickpocket suspect