Jury In Chaka Fattah Trial Begin Delibirations
by Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Jurors who reported to duty way back during the first week in May for the political corruption trial of Chaka Fattah will get lengthy instructions on points of law from the judge Wednesday, after which they will begin their deliberations.
That, after two full days of closing arguments.
Defense lawyers for Congressman Fattah and four associates took turns complaining about what they labeled a lack of evidence. Much of the case centered on what prosecutors describe as an illegal $1 million campaign loan when Fattah ran for Mayor in 2007.
Defense attorney Ann Flannery asked jurors "did you note how much of the government's case was guesswork, innuendo and theory?" She added the government "misunderstood or ignored evidence."
Federal prosecutors had the final say, and during his rebuttal, Eric Gibson spent more than an hour laying into each defendant, often raising his voice, saying "the arrogance on display here is astounding."
He said "this man" - pointing to Fattah - "surrounded himself with loyal subordinates willing to commit crimes with him and on his behalf."
His last words, before walking away from the front of the jury box: "It's time to hold them to account."
