Closing arguments set for ex-congressman's trial

[July 29, 2009]  ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- A jury is scheduled to hear closing arguments Wednesday in the bribery trial of a former Louisiana congressman whose case gained notoriety after a search of his home turned up $90,000 cash hidden in a freezer.

William Jefferson, a Democrat who represented parts of New Orleans, is accused of receiving more than $400,000 in bribes and seeking millions more in exchange for using his influence to broker business deals in Africa.

If convicted on all 16 counts, which include money laundering and racketeering, Jefferson could face up to 235 years in prison.

The trial has dragged on for eight weeks. Jefferson's attorneys argue that their client was essentially acting as a private business consultant and never violated bribery laws.

[Associated Press]

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