Marissel Descalzo

In Donna Adelson's 2025 trial, Marissel Descalzo testified for the defense on Day 8 that she represented Donna Adelson from 2022 until roughly three months after Adelson's arrest. She described reported statements of distress following Charlie Adelson's conviction, consultations with ethics counsel and the Florida Bar, and discussions about a vacation with Adelson's husband.

Descalzo said she understood that no warrant was outstanding when the vacation was discussed. She also testified that the prosecutor had not guaranteed that Adelson could self-surrender if a warrant were issued. Defense Exhibit 50 was admitted without objection.

On cross-examination, the State questioned her about who determines whether self-surrender is permitted, the timing of an earlier inquiry, and the basis of her knowledge about the proposed travel and reported flight discussions. Descalzo acknowledged that she did not know the vacation destination or what had been overheard and could not give a concrete opinion about self-surrender.

On redirect, she distinguished the proposed vacation from fleeing the jurisdiction. She also said that travel to a country without an extradition agreement would not prevent efforts to seek the return or extradition of a U.S. citizen.