Opening Statements Start In Ted Stevens’ TrialThe trial of Sen. Ted Stevens has officially begun, with attorneys making their opening statements at 9:30 this morning to the jury of mostly white-collar professionals.
It has been just under two-months since the sitting senator was indicted on seven counts of false statements for allegedly lying on his financial disclosure reports on gifts he received from the oil pipeline company, VECO. Stevens demanded a speedy trial and attempted to have the case moved to Alaska in part to accommodate his ongoing re-election campaign in Alaska. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan complied with a quick court date, but declined to move the trial out of the jurisdiction in which the charges were filed — Washington, D.C.
Among the witnesses scheduled for today, is John Hess, a former VECO engineer whose initials are on the renovation plans to Stevens’ home, the Anchorage Daily News reports.
The star witness in the case is former VECO CEO Bill Allen. In attempts to discredit Allen, Stevens’ attorneys have requested his medical history and recently alleged in court filings that Allen is receiving a windfall of $40 million for his cooperation with the case, a charge which has been disputed in subsequent filings.
Stevens own appearance on the stand has been the subject of much debate, with Stevens saying he intends to testify but will follow the advice of his lawyers.
We’ll be bringing you updates throughout the day on this historic trial, so stay tuned.