Lawyers for suspended City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas concluded their defense on Wednesday, and although the veteran politician did not take the witness stand, two former colleagues on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors did.
Both Janice Hahn, the current chair of the Board of Supervisors, followed shortly after by retired Supervisor Sheila Kuehl,into supporting three motions that prosecutors allege were tainted by a corrupt conspiracy with a USC dean.
The inside account of the county was paired with the testimony of Ann Ravel, former commissioner of the Federal Election Commission, who said that Ridley-Thomas’ $100,000 donation from a campaign account through USC to his son’s nonprofit was legal under California law, despite the lack of transparency over the ultimate recipient.
“He really felt that people deserve second chances,” said Katona, who summarized his philosophy as, “People don’t get well in a cell.” “Had he called you in his office to look at letters before?” defense lawyer Ramsey Fisher asked. Yes, she replied — a weekly occurrence. On cross-examination, prosecutors sought to highlight the former staffers’ loyalty to Ridley-Thomas, along with the limits of their knowledge.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As trial determines Ridley-Thomas' fate, his son’s life gets dissectedThe politician's lawyers began presenting their defense Tuesday, with Sebastian Ridley-Thomas center stage.
Read more »
Georgia County Spent $1 Million on Lawyers to Avoid Paying $25K for Trans Employee's HealthcareOfficials refused to change the department’s insurance plan, citing money concerns. Then, they spent 40 times the cost of the surgery in legal fees.
Read more »
Fox producer sues company, claims lawyers coached her Dominion testimonyAbby Grossberg alleges she faced discrimination at Fox News and that she was coached to mislead in her Dominion defamation case deposition. Fox has sought a restraining order to prevent her from sharing her conversations with company lawyers.
Read more »
Trump lawyers demand NARA records to expose 'highly-politicized' documents probe of former presidentTrump’s legal team is demanding the National Archives and Records Administration turn over documents that they say will 'completely expose' the 'highly politicized' agency.
Read more »
Fox News Producer Claims Fox Lawyers “Intimidated” Her Before Dominion DepositionIn a pair of new lawsuits alleging discrimination and harassment, Abby Grossberg, who worked with top Fox stars, alleges that the network’s attorneys “coached” her into giving misleading testimony.
Read more »