LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Day one of the Karen Cunagin Sypher trial and already the jury has heard salacious details in this alleged extortion trial, and one local attorney is caught in the middle of it all. The prosecution says the man helped Sypher write a letter demanding money; the defense says that letter was all his idea.
At the heart of the federal extortion case against Karen Cunagin Sypher, there are two main characters: Sypher and the man she's accused of trying to extort, University of Louisville basketball coach, Rick Pitino. As in any good story, there are supporting characters who each have their own story lines.
In this case, local divorce attorney, and part time karate instructor, Dana Kolter is that character. On the first day of trial, the prosecutor claims Kolter and Sypher carried on an affair for at least five years, from 2005 to 2009, while Karen Sypher was married. Either way, Kolter is a witness, not a defendant.
Legal analyst Kent Wicker says "He's not been charged. I don't know that he's been accused of any wrong doing. I would imagine that this has been an uncomfortable situation for him, but I don't see any longtime repercussions for him."
Dana Kolter and Karen Cunagin Sypher both signed a letter written to Pitino, demanding $10 million. The prosecution says the money was in exchanged for Sypher's silence and the deal was that if Pitino paid immediately, Kolter would get 10%. If Pitino refused, Kolter would sue him and get 50%.
Sypher's attorney says that was all Kolter's idea and he wrote the letter, demanding money, in exchange for not suing Pitino. The defense says Sypher simply acted on his advice, agreeing to write and sign that letter.
Kolter's involvement could have an impact on his law career if someone files a complaint.
