The Corner

Stevens Trial Just Gets Worse

AP Photo DCGH105, DCGH106, DCGH104, DCGH103, DCGH102, DCGH101

By JESSE J. HOLLAND

Associated Press Writer

   WASHINGTON (AP) — Jurors in Sen. Ted Stevens’ corruption trial

have discovered a mistake the Justice Department apparently made in

the Alaska senator’s indictment.

   Stevens is charged with lying on Senate financial documents

about gifts from a millionaire oil contractor. Among the seven

charges in the indictment, prosecutors said that Stevens checked

“no” on financial documents when asked whether he received any

gifts in 2001.

   Actually, he checked “yes.”

   Now, Jurors are asking what to do. And even the judge seemed

surprised by the jury’s catch. But it was unclear what will come of

it. Prosecutors say it’s a simple typographical error. Attorneys

for Stevens hope the gaffe will force jurors to acquit on that

charge.

   The judge says he’ll decide how to respond.

Exit mobile version