Bonilla corruption trial starts Tuesday
By Jill Harmacinski, The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
After a series of motions and delays, the case is scheduled to start this week.
Jury selection in Bonilla's criminal extortion, fraud and conspiracy case is expected Tuesday -- the second corruption trial involving a member of Lantigua's administration.
In April,
Degnan, who is now barred from running for public office in the future, was found guilty of pressuring a city trash vendor to donate a trash truck to the
Bonilla, Lantigua's political ally and former campaign manager, is charged with arranging the "unlawful transfer" of 12 city-owned cars in exchange for four Chevrolet Impalas with Lantigua's friend,
The now-suspended
"Moreover, it is alleged that this transaction constitutes a fraudulent conversion of city property, a trick, scheme, or device to mislead in procurement of supplies, extortion and use of an official position for an unwarranted privilege," according to pre-trial court papers filed by both the defense and prosecution in the case.
The trial will be held in
The witness list for trial is extensive, listing 41 people, including Lantigua, dozens of
It's unclear if called to the stand if Lantigua, who served as mayor from 2006 to 2010, will testify. At Degnan's criminal trial, flanked by defense attorney
To date, Lantigua has not faced any criminal charges in connection with Degnan or Bonilla's cases.
One former police department worker,
Bonilla's defense attorney,
Jackson was fired after new
Cain, in court proceedings, has previously alleged Jackson was the target of "multiple internal affairs investigations" and was promised leniency in such investigations for testifying against Bonilla. The defense has said the criminal case against Bonilla is based "almost entirely" on Jackson's testimony and therefore his credibility is central to Bonilla's defense.
In court papers, Cain wrote that he identified two witnesses "who indicated they often heard Jackson brag he was 'untouchable' that as long as he cooperated with the
Romero, in a previous interview, denied Jackson was given any breaks in internal affairs investigations in exchange for his testimony. The internal affairs investigations involved Jackson's alleged role in "unlawful promotional practices and sexual harassment," Cain has said.
According to grand jury testimony, Jackson said Bonilla threatened to have him fired if he didn't help with the illegal car swap. Jackson told grand jurors he feared losing his job; his only source of income and health insurance after he had a heart attack four years prior.
Bonilla was indicted, alongside Degnan, on
Rivera suspended Bonilla, demoted him to the rank of sergeant and halted his pay.
Follow staff reporter
Bonilla witness list
The following are among those listed on the "prospective witness" list for Bonilla's trial. It does not necessarily mean every person on the list will be called at trial, however:
-
-
- State Trooper
-
-
___
(c)2014 The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.)
Visit The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) at www.eagletribune.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 843 |
Under the Skin: Acupuncture is used to treat far more than just pain
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News