Joe Exotic Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Supreme Court Petition Seeks Review of Conviction After Witness Recantations, Alleged Prosecutorial Misconduct, and Due Process Violations

Washington, D.C. — A petition now before the United States Supreme Court asks the Court to review the federal conviction of Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, widely known as “Joe Exotic,” citing multiple sworn witness recantations, undisclosed government inducements, and serious due-process violations that undermine confidence in the verdict.

 The petition was filed by Alexander L. Roots of Planalp & Roots, P.C. (Bozeman, Montana), counsel of record, along with Peter Ticktin, Esq. of The Ticktin Law Group (Deerfield Beach, Florida), both experienced constitutional and federal litigators. Together, they argue that Maldonado-Passage was denied fundamental protections guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.

At the heart of the petition are sworn post-trial recantations from key government witnesses whose testimony was decisive at trial.

According to the filing, these witnesses have admitted that they testified falsely and that undisclosed promises or protections were provided in exchange for their cooperation. The petition further details corroborating text messages, phone records, and newly discovered evidence that support these recantations. Despite these revelations, the lower courts denied a new trial without holding an evidentiary hearing, choosing to assess credibility solely on written submissions. 

The petition argues this procedure conflicts with long-standing Supreme Court precedent, including Napue v. Illinois, Giglio v. United States, and Kyles v. Whitley, which prohibit convictions obtained through false testimony and require courts to evaluate suppressed evidence cumulatively. The petition also challenges Maldonado-Passage’s convictions under the Endangered Species Act, pointing to newly uncovered veterinary and scientific evidence indicating that the animals at issue were euthanized for humane and medically necessary reasons. The filing alleges that federal agents withheld or rendered key evidence unavailable, preventing proper forensic examination.

“This case transcends media narratives and public personas,” the petition states. “It raises urgent constitutional questions about whether a conviction can stand when it rests on admitted perjury, suppressed evidence, and the refusal of courts to allow live testimony that could establish the truth.”

Supporters and members of the public are encouraged to review additional documents, affidavits, and evidence presented by the defense at www.JoeExoticOfficial.com, where materials are published that, according to the defense, further demonstrate Maldonado-Passage’s innocence.

Those wishing to support Maldonado-Passage’s release are also urged to visit www.PardonJoeExotic.com to sign the official petition requesting executive clemency.

The attorneys emphasize that the Supreme Court’s review is essential not only for Maldonado-Passage, but for preserving public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the federal criminal justice system.

The full petition for a writ of certiorari is available for public review and is being circulated alongside this release at the following link: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0639/3525/0596/files/Passage-_Writ_VEm.pdf?v=1769826576

Full Press Release:  Supreme Court Joe Exotic 1.30.2026 
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0639/3525/0596/files/Supreme_Court_Joe_Exotic_1.30.2026.pdf?v=1769827738