BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — The trial of a Connecticut state senator and his 2018 marketing campaign treasurer on federal fraud fees has been delayed indefinitely amid a authorized struggle over whether or not a 28-minute video that surfaced not too long ago can be utilized as proof.
Jury choice started Tuesday for the trial of Bridgeport Democratic Sen. Dennis Bradley and Jessica Martinez on allegations they lined up marketing campaign violations dedicated at a 2018 occasion thrown by Bradley as they sought practically $180,000 in public marketing campaign funds from a state program. Bradley and Martinez deny the fees and have pleaded not responsible.
U.S. District Judge Victor Bolden in Bridgeport dismissed jurors Thursday, in response to federal prosecutors saying they had been going to enchantment his ruling barring the video of the occasion from getting used within the case.
Prosecutors stated a witness gave them the video May 24. They declare it reveals Bradley and Martinez knew marketing campaign contributions had been being solicited on the occasion and later lied to state election officers once they stated no fundraising came about.
Bradley’s legal professionals requested Bolden to bar the video, saying prosecutors violated court docket proof guidelines by disclosing the video so late and near the trial, making the case more durable for the protection. They stated the FBI beforehand gave the protection three shorter movies and knew there was an extended video, however did not search to acquire it till final month.
Political Cartoons
Prosecutors argued in court docket paperwork filed Friday that the case ought to be placed on maintain pending their enchantment to the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals in New York — an assertion disputed by protection legal professionals.
Authorities say Bradley and Martinez lied in regards to the occasion to cover marketing campaign violations that may have barred them from receiving the general public funds. They additionally allege Bradley violated spending limits when he paid for the occasion.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be revealed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
