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AG takes over probe of utility owner’s alleged threat against town official
Indicted water utility owner George Johnson is now being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for allegedly threatening the Florence town manager, Brent Billingsley.
Trial ends with defendants’ claim work was lawful, not bribery
Arizona’s most significant public corruption case since the 1988 impeachment of Gov. Evan Mecham has come down to this: Four defendants. Fourteen days of testimony. Nearly four dozen witnesses.
Jury hears closing arguments in bribery trial
The so-called “Ghost Lobby” trial was the summer blockbuster no juror bought a ticket to see.
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.
Lobbyist Jim Norton disputes ex-wife’s testimony in bribery trial
Jim Norton said on the witness stand Tuesday he did not force his now ex-wife, Kelly Norton, to hire Sherry Pierce at her firm, but that he urged her to do so because he had a stake in their success.
Bribery trial jury hears from first defendant
Sherry Pierce says she had no idea she was doing work on behalf of water utility owner George Johnson while she was employed by KNB Consulting and her husband sat on the Arizona Corporation Commission.
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.
Defense attacks credibility of star-witness Kelly Norton in bribery trial
Kelly Norton was back on the stand in the “Ghost Lobby” trial Tuesday, this time under cross examination by a defense team intent on distorting her credibility in the eyes of the jury.
Bribery defendant accused of threats against Florence official
George Johnson, a water utility owner on trial for his part in an alleged bribery scheme, has now been accused of threatening the Florence town manager, Brent Billingsley.
Crucial email not protected by marriage privilege, judge rules in bribery case
Jurors will get to see what could prove a critical email that prosecutors say should help prove that Gary Pierce purposely sought to conceal a land deal at the center of a bribery case.
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.
