• Prosecutors claim Zimmerman had $135,000 available that had been raised by a website he set up
  • Defense attorney Mark O'Mara said Zimmerman and his wife never used the money for anything

By Daily Mail Reporter

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In custody, again: Zimmerman posed for yet another mugshot after returning to Sanford after a judge in the case revoked his bail

In custody, again: Zimmerman posed for yet another mugshot after returning to Sanford after a judge in the case revoked his bail

George Zimmerman turned himself into authorities and returned to jail this afternoon, six weeks after being released on bond.

Looking slightly heavier and with his hair grown out, Zimmerman arrived at the Sanford County jail in Sanford, Florida, shortly after 1:40pm traveling in a white mini-van accompanied by sheriff's deputies and his attorney, Mark O'Mara.

On Friday a judge revoked Zimmerman's $150,000 bond, posted in April while he was awaiting trial, after prosecutors accused him of withholding one of two valid passports and said his wife did not tell the court about money donated for his legal defense.

Circuit Court Judge Kenneth Lester Jr gave 28-year-old Zimmerman 48 hours to surrender to the Seminole County Sheriff.

After he arrived, Zimmerman was to be booked again and placed into isolation in administrative confinement for his own protection, a law enforcement official told ABC.

His attorney Mr O' Mara said: 'The defense team hopes that Mr Zimmerman's voluntary surrender to Sanford police will help demonstrate to the court that he is not a flight risk.'

He returned to Central Florida from an undisclosed location, arriving late on Saturday evening.

His imminent return to jail was the latest twist in a murder case that has riveted the United States and sparked widespread debate over guns, self-defense laws and U.S. race relations.

It was just six weeks ago that Zimmerman was freed on bail before he waived his right to a speedy trial.

Surrender: George Zimmerman arrives at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility after his bond was revoked by a Florida judge in Sanford, Florida, on June 3, 2012

Surrender: George Zimmerman arrives at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility after his bond was revoked by a Florida judge in Sanford, Florida, on June 3, 2012

Back to jail: Zimmerman has been charged with second degree murder in the February 26 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford

Back to jail: Zimmerman has been charged with second degree murder in the February 26 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford

Had he not had this revoked, he would have spent the next year or even two in hiding at a secure location while awaiting trial. Now, he could spend that time in isolation.

Zimmerman's credibility could become an issue at trial, legal experts said, noting the case hinges on jurors believing Zimmerman's account of what happened the night in February that Martin was killed.

The neighborhood watchman wasn't charged in the case until more than a month after the shooting.

Protests were held across the nation, and the case spurred debate about whether race was a factor in Zimmerman's actions and in the initial police handling of the case. Martin was black; Zimmerman's father is white and his mother is from Peru.

Custody: George Zimmerman is handcuffed and escorted into jail just before his 48-hour deadline expired

Custody: George Zimmerman is handcuffed and escorted into jail just before his 48-hour deadline expired

Police in Sanford did not immediately arrest Zimmerman, citing the Florida law that gives wide latitude to use deadly force rather than retreat in a fight if people believe they are in danger of being killed or seriously injured.

The questioning of Zimmerman's truthfulness by the judge on Friday could undermine the defendant's credibility if it is brought up at trial.

It also may complicate how his defense presents him as a witness, said Orlando-area attorney Randy McClean, a former prosecutor.

The other key witness, unfortunately, is deceased, McClean said. Basically, Zimmerman is going to be asking the jury to believe his version of the facts.

As the case stands now, his credibility is absolutely critical to the case.

Revoked: George Zimmerman testifies from the stand during a bond hearing on second degree murder charges at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Florida in this file photo taken April 20, 2012

Revoked: George Zimmerman testifies from the stand during a bond hearing on second degree murder charges at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Florida in this file photo taken April 20, 2012

George Zimmerman, charged with killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, right, stands next to a Seminole County Deputy during a court hearing in Sanford

George Zimmerman, charged with killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, right, stands next to a Seminole County Deputy during a court hearing in Sanford

Jail authorities in central Florida, where the case arose, said Zimmerman had not turned himself in there by early Sunday. He must do so by Sunday afternoon.

Zimmerman went into hiding in the weeks after the shooting and his exact whereabouts since he bonded out of jail remain unclear.

It was not immediately clear exactly where Zimmerman would surrender.

Zimmerman's credibility would be important if his attorney, Mark O'Mara, tries to get a judge without the jury to dismiss the charges based on the law, said Orlando defense attorney David Hill.

'If he was in on something that was not truthfully revealed to the judge, when there is a 'stand your ground' hearing, of course you're going to second-guess him,' said Hill.

The revocation of Zimmerman's bond also puts pressure on O'Mara not to delay the trial, McClean said.

'When your client is out on bond, the pressure is much lighter to rush to trial ... because your client is sitting at home," he said.

'When your client is sitting at the Seminole County Jail, your client is going to want this resolved.'

As he revoked Zimmerman's bail on Friday, the judge said Mr Zimmerman had responsibilities to stop his wife, who testified at one hearing, and his lawyer from making false statements.

'Mr Zimmerman can't sit back a potted palm and let his wife testify falsely before the court when he knew well in advance of the hearing the amounts of money in controversy,' said Judge Kenneth Lester.

Case: Zimmerman, right, shot Martin, left, in February during a confrontation at a gated community of townhouses in Sanford, Florida, where Zimmerman lived and where Martin was visiting his father's fiancee

'He can't sit back and obtain the benefit of a lower bond based upon those material falsehoods.'

Under Florida's Rules of Criminal Procedure, a judge has discretion to revoke a defendant's bail if he finds there's 'good cause' to do so.

Lying to a court about one's finances apparently fits the bill.

In arguing for George Zimmerman's bail to be revoked, prosecutors asserted his wife Shelly 'flat-out lied' to get a lower bail.

'This court was led to believe that [George Zimmerman and his wife] didn't have a single penny,' one prosecutor argued.

A Seminole County Sheriff's Deputy waits for George Zimmerman in front of the Seminole County Jail after Zimmerman's bond was revoked in Sanford, Florida

A Seminole County Sheriff's Deputy waits for George Zimmerman in front of the Seminole County Jail after Zimmerman's bond was revoked in Sanford, Florida

But it turns out the Zimmermans had collected about $200,000 in online donations via a website -- a fact Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara has acknowledged.

In addition, Zimmerman and his wife 'spoke in code to hide what they were doing' during jail telephone calls, prosecutors alleged.

Prosecutors also used phone conversations recorded between Zimmerman and his wife Shelly, to show that the pair intentionally deceived the court by talking in code that designates multiples of thousands to much lower sums.

George Zimmerman asks: 'in my account do I have at least $100?

Shelly Zimmerman responds: '$8. $8.60'

Bailed: Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman (L) leaves the Seminole County Jail in April after posting bail in Sanford, Florida

Bailed: Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman (L) leaves the Seminole County Jail in April after posting bail in Sanford, Florida

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara said the fact that Zimmerman and his wife never used the money for anything indicated 'there was no deceit.'

Since his release in late April, Zimmerman has been staying at an undisclosed location for his safety.

Prosecutor Bernie De la Rionda described the Zimmermans' testimony as 'misleading'.

'This court was led to believe they didn't have a single penny,' said De la Rionda. 'It was misleading and I don't know what words to use other than it was a blatant lie.'

The judge said he would schedule a hearing after Zimmerman is back in custody so the neighborhood watch leader could explain himself.

It was also revealed that Zimmerman kept a second passport at his home and he and his wife can be heard to discuss it.

'I have one for you in the safety deposit box,' said Shellie.

'Okay, you hold onto that,' replied Zimmerman.

Shot dead: In this undated photo provided by the Martin family, Trayvon Martin holds an unidentified baby. Martin was killed by a neighborhood watchman following an altercation in Sanford, Fla. as he walked from a convenience store in February, 2012

Shot dead: In this undated photo provided by the Martin family, Trayvon Martin holds an unidentified baby. Martin was killed by a neighborhood watchman following an altercation in Sanford, Fla. as he walked from a convenience store in February, 2012

Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder and claims self-defense. Zimmerman shot Martin in February during a confrontation at a gated community of townhouses in Sanford, Fla., where Zimmerman lived and where the 17-year-old Martin was visiting his father's fiancee.

Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon Martin's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, said his clients have always said Zimmerman should remain in jail until trial, which O'Mara said he believed wouldn't be until next year.

Crump was asked if he thought that if Zimmerman would be willing to lie about his finances that he would be willing to lie about what happen the night Martin was killed.

'We fully expect that the special prosecutor will make George Zimmerman's credibility be front and center in this entire case,' Crump said. 'And whatever dishonesty that comes forth by George Zimmerman that they can prove, you can best believe it will be the issue of this case and rightfully so.

Prosecutors also said Zimmerman had failed to surrender a second passport, but the judge dismissed that concern as the equivalent of someone who has lost a driver's license, applies for a new one and then finds the old driver's license.

Killed: Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder and claims self-defense in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin

Killed: Zimmerman is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder and claims self-defense in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin

The delay in an arrest for 44 days prompted protests nationwide and led to Sanford's police chief stepping aside so emotions could cool down.

At Friday's court hearing, De la Rionda and O'Mara also asked a judge to stop the public release of witness names and statements made by Zimmerman to police officers. Those documents normally are part of the public record under Florida law.

BACKGROUND

George Zimmerman started a website to raise funds for his legal defence under the URL www.therealgeorgezimmerman.com in April.

‘I have created a Paypal account solely linked on this website as I would like to provide an avenue to thank my supporters personally and ensure that any funds provided are used only for living expenses and legal defence,’ he posted on the website in April

According to prosecutors, he allegedly raised $135,000 but the website was shut down on April 24 so his attorney could regain control of the fundraising drive.

The 28-year-old's bond hearing was on April 20, where the amount of money the website had raised was not disclosed.

Zimmerman was released from jail on April 23 on a $150,000 bond after paying 10 per cent upfront.

Later that week, his lawyer told CNN that the website had raised more than $200,000 in donations.

'What's occurring, unfortunately, are cases are being tried in the public sector as opposed to in the courtroom,' De La Rionda said. 'We are in a new age with Twitter, Facebook, and all these things I've never heard of before in my career. Everybody gets to find out intimate details about witnesses that never occurred before. Witnesses are going to be reluctant to get involved.'

A consortium of more than a dozen media groups, including The Associated Press, asked the judge to ignore the request, saying such records are presumed to be publicly available under Florida law.

Rachel Fugate, an attorney for the Orlando Sentinel, cited the Casey Anthony trial as an example of a highly publicized case in which a jury was able to be seated despite intense media coverage. The Florida mother was acquitted last year of killing her 2-year-old daughter.

'Discovery in Florida has traditionally been open ... and Florida hasn't encountered problems seating juries and giving defendants fair trials,' Fugate said.

O'Mara said Friday on a website that he doesn't expect the case to be ready for trial until next year.

O'Mara said he expects to call on 50 witnesses who need to be deposed before he decides whether to file a "stand your ground" motion which would ask for a hearing before a judge without a jury. At the hearing, Zimmerman would argue self-defense under the Florida law which gives wide latitude to use deadly force rather than retreat in a fight if people believe they are in danger of being killed or seriously injured.

The outside of Seminole County Jail, the John E. Polk Correctional Facility prior to the return of George Zimmerman

The outside of Seminole County Jail, the John E. Polk Correctional Facility prior to the return of George Zimmerman

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

If the money was set aside as a "defense fund" then that is apparently what he was going to use it for. Not "bail fund". Also, he has proven time and time again he is not a flight risk by showing up every time the court asks him to.

Ahhh, a lie that came back to bite him in the rear....good job George

The question is, How many more lies will he be caught in??? Where is all his fans now!!!

We know three things. Martin was not found with anything on him. Zimmerman never reported seeing Martin commit a crime. And, Zimmerman was told not to go outside. A troubling scenario plays in my head. I put myself in the shoe here, as a women and citizen. I am walking through a condo community which I have cut through on my daily jog. Some neighborhood watch person stops me in an accusatory fashion and demands to know what I am about. I probably would look at them as though they are crazy, not respond, and continue on my way. Then neigborhood watch person puts a hand on me to stop me. I have never been in a fight in my life, but a scuffle will definitely ensue. I might get hurt, he might get hurt in the scuffle. However, if he pulls out a gun and shoots me, then he is considered standing his ground. I am gung ho for law enforcement, but not what happened here. I believe this was Zimmermans fault. Most people wd react as described above if stranger tried to stop them.

Oh no, Zimmerman what did you do. You dont lie to a JUDGE.

His money shouldn't matter. In the USA we are SUPPOSED to be afforded "equal treatment under the law." Apparently not if you're the wrong color.

Im praying for all partys involved. it is such ashame that this had to happen. we need to stop being predijuice againt all people. we are all equal to GOD in life. when the hate stops then we will have peace. people need to be truthful or is will come back upon you. praying for all people. for all the people that belive what George did was right, please admit you care about the law an your guns. what about Trevon an his family. where is the compassion here for them. once you tell a lie, does it not show you are not worthy an will be deemed as a lier. GOD does for give an all people should to. this does not mean we dont half to pay for our sins. I would not lie for my husband. the family of Zimmerman is just a gulty here to when it comes to the funds., but let us all remember this is not about the money, its about a young man's life that was unnessessaryly taken from him an his family. may GOD truly have mercy on you all

He already had time to put the weight back on? That was quick!

come on let him go

Zimmerman, his wife and his lawyer are a combination of stupid and arrogant. Lying about finances, surrendering what was an invalid passport and concealing the existence of the valid passport from the court? Trying to speak in "code" in jailhouse conversations? What on earth were they thinking? They've hobbled themselves going into the trial. Zimmerman's credibility is damaged, his wife is now dragged into it, and the lawyer will be facing an uphill battle with the court because he has demonstrated that he can't be trusted, either. If Zimmerman lied or exaggerated during his previous statements, even if he doesn't testify, the prosecution will be able to more effectively portray him in a negative light.

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