Aaron Moselle

The verdict followed roughly three weeks of testimony in the federal trial. Johnson’s political future was at stake. Prosecutors say they will retry the case.

The panel has deliberated for roughly 12 hours. It will resume discussions on Monday following a break for the holidays.

Closing arguments in the three-week trial focused on contrasting explanations of the true intent of consulting fees paid to the Council member’s wife.

The jury will start deliberating after closing arguments, meaning there could be a verdict before the end of the week.

Things got testy while prosecutors cross-examined Gregory Scott, a former special assistant at Universal Companies, the nonprofit at the heart of the bribery trial.

Defense attorneys are expected to question witnesses for up to three days before the jury starts its deliberations.

Eve Lewis provided testimony on Tuesday that was different from what she told a grand jury in 2019.

Prosecutors have called more than a dozen witnesses during eight days of testimony. The defense could begin its case as early as Monday.

Prosecutors say Dawn Chavous’ consulting firm was used to conceal payments to her husband. And that she did little work for the nonprofit.

An FBI special agent spent a fourth day on the witness stand, defending assertions that fees paid to the Council member’s wife were really bribes in disguise.

Defense attorneys challenge an FBI agent’s interpretation of invoices the Council member’s wife submitted for what the feds believe was cover for a bribe.

The federal case against Johnson hinges on a claim that bribe money was funneled through his wife, who collected fees from the co-defendants.