« on: October 27, 2009, 12:43:40 PM »
Larry Langford defense team calls Pastor Ocie Oden as its first witness
By Val Walton--The Birmingham News
October 27, 2009, 11:05AM
Prosecutors ended testimony in their bribery case against Mayor Larry Langford this morning following testimony from a jewelry store employee.
U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler also denied the defense's motion to dismiss charges against Langford, who faces 60 counts, including bribery, money laundering, conspiracy and fraud.
Prosecutors contend Langford, while serving as Jefferson County Commission president, accepted $236,000 in cash and gifts from Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre.
Blount's investment bank, Blount Parrish & Co., was awarded $7.1 million in fees during Langford's time on the commission for advising on the sale of sewer bonds that are now in default. Both Blount and LaPierre have pleaded guilty.
The government contends bribes paid to Langford in return for the bond work went for a variety of things, including expensive jewelry.
The last witness for the prosecution this morning was Buffy Pittman, a Bromberg's employee, who testified Langford sought a silver necklace and bracelet for his wife.
Pittman, who wrapped the gift, testified that Blount paid for the items.
The defense followed the close of the prosecution's case with the standard motion asking the judge to dismiss charges against Langford. Langford's lead attorney, Mike Rasmussen, contended the government did not meet its burden. Coogler denied the request.
The defense called Ocie Oden, pastor of Missionary Baptist Church in Fairfield, as its first witness. Ootside the presence of the jury, Oden says Langford has given him clothes, including 60 suits.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/10/defense_team_calls_pastor_ocie.html
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Now I may be an idiot, but there is one thing I am not, sir, and that, sir, is an idiot.
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