A jury in Virginia found former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson guilty this afternoon on 11 of 16 counts in his federal corruption trial. Jefferson, a Democrat who had represented parts of New Orleans, was accused of accepting more than $400,000 in bribes and seeking millions more in exchange for brokering business deals in Africa. It took jurors five days to reach a decision after an eight-week trial. Most of the trial was government testimony. The defense wrapped up its case in a matter of hours. In August 2005, FBI agents searched Jefferson’s Washington home and found $90,000 in cash hidden in his freezer.
Jefferson found guilty on 11 counts
Sign up for the free Daily Report email – local news about the people, companies and issues that impact business impact business in Baton Rouge and beyond.
