Defense Attorneys Cross-Examine Key Prosecution Witness In Seth Williams Trial
By David Spunt and Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --The first week of testimony has wrapped in the federal corruption trial involving Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
On Friday, Williams' defense team aimed to discredit Mohammed Ali, also known as "business owner # 1" in the indictment.
Ali faced Williams' defense attorney Tom Burke, who went through point-by-point gifts and trips Ali gave to Williams, that prosecutors allege were bribes.
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Ali told the jury that since Williams couldn't pay for vacations, he paid, and that a $7,000 check to Williams was a loan and the $3,000 couch was a gift.
In return, he said Williams connected him to police officials to help ease airport screenings.
Williams nodded his head at questions his attorney was asking, sometimes jotting down notes.
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A lieutenant in the district attorney's office testified about city cars he says Williams used. The lieutenant told jurors that financial officers told him to get the car back from Williams, but he declined to because he didn't have the authority.
The human resources director for the office also testified, telling jurors that she would file statements of financial interests from Williams on what he told her to write.
Williams has entered a not guilty plea to bribery and corruption charges.
