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Key Witness Testifies He Gave Chuck Turner A Bribe

Chuck Turner outside the courthouse (WBZ-AM)

BOSTON (CBS) -- A key witness in the federal corruption trial of Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner took the stand Thursday and testified that he gave Turner a bribe.

Ronald Wilburn is allegedly seen in a secretly recorded video handing off money to Turner as the two men shake hands.

Wilburn had earlier said he would not testify.

The jury once again saw the video of the two men meeting about Wilburn's attempt to obtain a liquor license.

The video shows Turner shaking hands with Wilburn, but it's not clear from the video if Turner took $1,000 in cash from Wilburn during the meeting – as prosecutors have alleged.

Wilburn testified Thursday that he gave the money to Turner.

An FBI agent testified earlier that he gave the cash to Wilburn before the August 2007 meeting with Turner.

Wilburn can be heard on the video telling Turner to take his wife out to dinner, "and have some fun."

Turner, who is 70, has denied charges of attempted extortion and making false statements.

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