Defense Wraps Up In DiMasi Corruption Trial
BOSTON (AP) -- Testimony has wrapped up in the federal corruption trial of former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and two associates.
After calling just three witnesses, defense attorneys rested Wednesday, arguing prosecutors have failed to make their case.
Meanwhile, a legal skirmish has erupted over what instructions U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf should give to the jury.
DiMasi's defense attorneys say that the government is attempting to make a "180-degree turn" and should be required to prove that DiMasi directly caused payments to be made to him and others in exchange for official acts.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
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DiMasi, Richard McDonough and Richard Vitale are accused of scheming to use DiMasi's clout to steer two lucrative state contracts to the software firm Cognos in exchange for cash.
Closing arguments could be delivered Friday or Monday.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
