Bellis, who could have issued an order for Jones’ arrest to compel him to testify instead said the escalating daily fine would begin on Friday and would end only after Jones completed a full day’s deposition.
“If Mr. Jones’ counsel this afternoon informs (the families’) counsel that he will sit on Friday (for questioning under oath) and if he does, there will be no fine,” the judge said by way of example.
“If Mr. Jones sits on Tuesday April 5th, the fine will be $25,000 for Friday and $50,000 for Monday for a total of $75,000.”.
But on Wednesday one of those parents told Hearst Connecticut Media that he would reject Jones’ settlement offer and was “going to trial to fight him.”.
Meanwhile Jones has admitted to viewers that he is feeling stressed, and may have cardiovascular symptoms related to his COVID-19 infection last year.
Bellis said the fines were designed to compel Jones to complete his pretrial deposition as soon as possible.
“It is clear that the (families) simply want and are entitled to the deposition of Mr. Jones who has continued to deliberately disregard the court process.”. »