BECKELY -
A California actor is indicted in West Virginia-- accused of trying to extort millions of dollars from a local man. Now he wants to fire his defense lawyer
Folks may recognize Vivek Shah from bit parts in the TV show Bones or the blockbuster movie "The Dark Night."
But now this once aspiring actor is trading in the glamour of Hollywood for an orange jump suit.
A clean cut Shah can be seen in a 2010 Intel commercial. There are photos of him with actress Angelina Jolie and actor Tom Cruise.
But his appearance in federal court on Wednesday was a bit different from that black tie affair.
A scruffy Shah in shackles is seen sitting in front of Magistrate Clarke VanDervort, to address the further of his court case.
While cameras are not allowed inside of the federal courtrooms, 59 News photojournalist Patrick Williams sketched the images of the courtroom.
Shah has been pointed in a seven felony count indictment, accused of mailing a series of threats to extort millions from victims.
This includes Beckley billionaire Chris Cline. In court Wednesday, Shah said he and his Charleston lawyer did not see eye to eye when it came to strategy for his defense.
Shah said "he was CONFUSED" about where to go and spoke intelligently with long pauses.
His attorney Troy Giatra, said he is willing to represent Shah and stated he already invested 100 hours into the case
Magistrate VanDervort said he is confident in Giatra's ability to handle the case.
Shah will stand trail this January.
59 News will keep you posted on air and online.
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