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My client was drunk, stupid, sleazy—oh, and black, argues Jefferson's lawyer

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2009 10:48 AM CDT
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(Newser) – What do you say when you’re defending William Jefferson, on trial for allegedly taking $100,000 in bribe money and hiding it in his freezer? Pretty much whatever the heck you can think of, writes Dana Milbank of the Washington Post. The lawyer for the then-Congressman opened his defense yesterday with a crack about “frozen assets” before arguing that his client was sleazy and stupid, but not technically guilty.

The bribes he took from a later-convicted businessman? “Kind of a finder’s fee,” in attorney Robert Trout’s telling. The FBI tape of Jefferson soliciting bribes? He’d had “a lot of wine.” His offer to bribe a Nigerian pol? “Really stupid,” Trout admitted, but a ploy to go along with the FBI informant. And Jefferson’s a self-made family man, and black besides—Trout mentioned race constantly, adding, “He loves Africa.” Especially, it seems, Nigeria.

A reporter with a CBS affiliate station from New Orleans, asks questions of former Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, as Jefferson enters US District Court with his wife Andrea, June 16, 2009.
A reporter with a CBS affiliate station from New Orleans, asks questions of former Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, as Jefferson enters US District Court with his wife Andrea, June 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Former Democratic Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, center, exits U.S. District Court with his defense team including lawyer Robert Trout, right, in Alexandria, Va., June 10, 2009.
Former Democratic Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, center, exits U.S. District Court with his defense team including lawyer Robert Trout, right, in Alexandria, Va., June 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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A lot of what you hear you will disapprove of and find distasteful coming from a member of Congress. Did he say and do foolish things? Yes, he did. - Robert Trout

You know you're in trouble when your lawyer describes you as sleazy but not technically a criminal. - Dana Milbank

He used who he was to help businesses in which his family members had an interest. These facts alone are not themselves crimes. - Robert Trout

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
kokuaguy
Jun 18, 2009 6:58 AM CDT
In the opening statement a defense counsel can lessen the impact of evidence that might later shock the jury by bringing it up first and lessening the impact when the prosecutor introduces it. Like the man said, you work with what you have. Looks like he's toast to me. If he's convicted and given the maximum or close it will be interesting to find out what kind of a deal he might have had if he's simply resigned and plead gullty.
kokuaguy
Jun 18, 2009 6:54 AM CDT
He was beaten by an unknown Republican (learned that on newser.)
Doctor-Zaius
Jun 17, 2009 8:00 AM CDT
He was voted out of office last election and its looking like he will be convicted.

Attorney argues Jefferson's case
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Chilly trial kicks off
Wall Street Journal

 
William Jefferson • Louisiana • bribery • corruption • trial • Democrat • court • lawyer • attorney • Dana Milbank • Robert Trout • William Jefferson sentenced

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