DETROIT (AP) -- A Detroit corruption trial once projected to last weeks will probably end in less than three.
Political consultant Sam Riddle declined to testify in his own defense last Thursday. Closing arguments are set for today in his bribery-and-extortion trial in federal court.
Riddle is accused of working with then-Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers to shake down people doing business with the city or its pension board. Jurors have heard evidence of money changing hands for Conyers' vote on a sludge-processing contract in 2007.
Prosecutors closed their case with a recording of Riddle telling his son that Conyers was doing things that would get her indicted. She pleaded guilty last summer and is awaiting her sentence.
Published: Mon, Feb 8, 2010
