Nagin defense: Key witnesses weren't credible
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A defense lawyer for former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin attacked the credibility of key prosecution witnesses as he launched into his closing argument in Nagin's federal corruption trial.
Robert Jenkins told jurors Monday that they must consider whether witnesses awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty gave biased testimony aimed at pleasing prosecutors.
Earlier, prosecutors summed up their case against Nagin by telling jurors the testimony and documentary evidence showed them "how a mayor on the take operates."
A 21-count indictment alleges Nagin sought and accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of bribes from people doing business with the city.
The jury could begin deliberations as early as Monday afternoon.
Nagin, a Democrat, left office in 2010 after serving two terms that included the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
