Michigan News
(2010-02-08)
Sam Riddle
Associated Press
The jury in the case of Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle is scheduled to hear closing arguments today.
Riddle faces seven Federal counts including bribery and extortion for allegedly setting up pay-to-pay schemes with former City Councilwoman and Pension Board trustee Monica Conyers.
Conyers pleaded guilty to bribery last year and is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
Jurors heard hours of tape from FBI wiretaps in which Riddle talks about exchanging money with businesspeople looking to influence Conyers' vote on city contracts and investments.
Those conversations also show Riddle repeatedly expressing his disdain for Conyers calling her "crazy" and telling his son that she was "doing things that will get her indicted."
Riddle's lawyers say his actions can be explained in the context of his role as Conyers' political consultant.
Riddle has declined to testify in his own defense. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio
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