Cordell's Attorneys Ask to Withdraw

Greg Cordell, the man accused of procuring the fire the largest residential fire in Cartersville, likely is headed to trial in federal court, but it's unclear if will have an attorney or represent himself.

Following a magistrate judge's the formal mayoral candidate and real estate company owner is competent to stand trial, U.S. District Judge Charles A. Pannell Jr. issued an order Wednesday directing Cordell to face the .

But Cordell's attorneys, Thomas Hawker and Jake Waldrop, federal public defenders, requested they be released from their duties of defending the former hairdresser.

"Mr. Cordell and undersigned counsel have irreconcilable differences
about the course of the representation," the motion reads. "These differences are so significant that it is impossible for undersigned counsel to continue with this representation."

During the proceeding to determine his mental competency, Cordell reportedly help up a sign, attempting to working on his case. More than a month later, the attorneys filed the motion.

The next day, Cordell asked the court to dismiss the charges. In his motion, Cordell argues the court has no jurisdiction or authority over him. Read his full filing and supporting documents attached to this article, along with the judge's order and attorneys' motion.

Cordell represented himself in the civil trial that preceded both the federal and state criminal cases he faces in connection with the fire that destroyed his Old Mill Road home. He is accused of procuring the blaze to collect a fraudulent insurance settlement after fraudulently applying for loans, thereby overextending his financial capabilities. Read the history of the case .

A hearing on both pending motions — the attorneys' withdrawal and the dismissal — is set for 10 a.m. today in Atlanta.