Zimmerman’s wife faces perjury charge over finances
LONGWOOD, Fla., — The wife of George Zimmerman faces a perjury charge for allegedly lying about the couple’s finances at her husband’s bond hearing in connection with the killing of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.
Shellie Zimmerman, 25, was arrested and briefly jailed Tuesday before posting a $1,000 bond. In a court filing, State Attorney Angela Corey said Zimmerman perjured herself before Judge Kenneth Lester at an April bond hearing when she said the couple had limited funds.
George Zimmerman, 28, has been charged with second-degree murder. The neighborhood watch volunteer has pleaded innocent, contending he acted in self-defense during a fight with the unarmed Trayvon. Zimmerman was released on $150,000 bond April 22.
Lester revoked the bond June 3 when authorities learned that Zimmerman had collected more than $100,000 through Internet donations. According to a probable-cause affidavit, Shellie Zimmerman transferred more than $74,000 to her personal account days before the bond hearing.
Recorded telephone calls revealed that the couple discussed the transfers in code, the affidavit says. The calls also showed George Zimmerman told his wife to “pay off all the bills,” including American Express and Sam’s Club.
In his bond revocation order, made public Tuesday, Lester concluded that Zimmerman’s wife had “testified untruthfully.” Lester also noted that the evidence against George Zimmerman “is strong.”
“Most importantly, though, is the fact that he has now demonstrated that he does not properly respect the law or the integrity of the judicial process,” Lester wrote. Another bond hearing is scheduled for June 29.
Shellie Zimmerman’s arrest came as a task force opened a series of public hearings on the state’s controversial stand-your-ground law, which says a person can use deadly force without retreating if threatened with harm or death. The law is the basis for Zimmerman’s defense.
Trayvon’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, said it should be amended to exclude those who initiate confrontations.