Rep. Bob Brady Denies Involvement In Alleged Traffic Ticket Fixing
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - U.S. Congressman Bob Brady is denying that he ever tried to get traffic tickets fixed for friends or supporters. His comments came after a witness in the federal trial of former traffic court judges made that allegation.
On the stand was Tonya Hilton, who had been an aide to Willie Singletary, one of the former traffic court judges now on trial (see related story).
Attorney: "Did a person named Charlie from Congressman Brady's office sometimes call?"
Hilton: "Yes."
Attorney: "How many times a month did he call?"
Hilton: "Three or four times a month."
Hilton testified that the traffic cases about which Brady's aide had called were eventually dismissed.
Congressman Brady says his office never sought such help, "All we have ever done is to supply an attorney for anyone who needed help in Traffic Court. And I've asked my people down there, and they have never, ever asked for consideration."
Brady said Charlie worked for the Democratic City Committee, which Brady heads, not his Congressional office. He did not supply Charlie's last name, nor was it mentioned at trial.
"It (requests for consideration) never took place. All we do is supply free of charge an attorney to accompany anyone who had to go in to traffic court. We would always supply them with an attorney."
The defendant judges have pleaded not guilty.
Tonya Hilton also testified that she received similar calls from aides to City Council member Jannie Blackwell and then-state representative Kenyatta Johnson.
Johnson, now a member of City Council, said in a statement to KYW Newsradio that he "never sought 'consideration' or favors from anyone at Traffic Court." Blackwell did not return our call seeking comment.
