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Judge’s decision in bribery trial opens door on larger probe
Gayle Burns will be allowed to testify in the so-called “Ghost Lobby” trial after U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi determined the defense had opened the door to her testimony.
Utility executive: Sherry Pierce hired for her connections to Pinal County, not bribe
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Battista says it was lobbyist Jim Norton’s “strong suggestion” that led to the flow of money from a utility owner to the pockets of a utility regulator.
Defense says government short on proof in bribery trial
Defense attorneys in the so-called “Ghost Lobby” trial said “normal folks” might not find the activities of the defendants acceptable, but the government failed to prove corruption was their driving force.
Kelly Norton: ‘I wanted to keep copies of everything just in case’
Kelly Norton reviewed extensive records she kept in the midst of that scheme to protect herself if – and ultimately when – the authorities came looking for answers.
Corp Comm ethics code a long time coming as scandal swirls
The Arizona Corporation Commission is still without an ethics code, despite an initial pledge a year ago to come up with one and a federal bribery case casting a shadow over the regulatory body.
Ex-regulator, lobbyist, utility owner arraigned in federal bribery case
Former Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Gary Pierce and Johnson Utilities owner George Johnson had nothing to say for themselves after pleading not guilty to federal charges in the U.S. District Court on June 7.
Lobbyist declares innocence in federal case
Lobbyist Jim Norton’s attorney said Friday federal charges against him hinge on the allegations of an “unindicted co-conspirator,” whose motivations will become “transparent” when the mystery person’s identity is revealed.
Renzi to remain in prison after criminal convictions upheld by Supreme Court
Former Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi is going to remain in federal prison. Without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld his conviction on charges of extortion, fraud, conspiracy and racketeering. He began serving his three-year prison term in February.
