By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-858248.mp3
Dallas, TX –
After two months of witnesses, testimony and questions, the prosecution in the Dallas City Hall corruption trial will hand the case over to defense lawyers today. KERA's BJ Austin reports.
Former Dallas Councilman Don Hill, and four associates, are accused of bribery and extortion involving approval of low income housing developments in South Dallas.
Defense Attorney Ray Jackson says the government's case is built on speculation and conjecture.
Jackson: You know they haven't brought in any experts in city government to explain how this stuff works, or should work, to say that what Don was doing was wrong.
Among witnesses called by prosecutors: four former defendants who entered guilty pleas to the bribery charges, plus the housing developer who turned FBI informant and recorded conversations with the defendants.
Defense attorney Victor Vital says jurors are ready to hear a different story, and they'll get that from defense witnesses. Attorneys for the defendants also plan to file a motion for acquittal - claiming prosecutors have failed to prove their case.