Dallas Corruption trial goes to jury

[Aragorn]

If you have lived in or near the DFW area, you may think there's ALWAYS a trial like this going on, but this one may be near the end:

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/09/jurors-begin-deliberations-in.html

Did people have to pay to play? A lot of testimony so far says yes. Part of a long Big D tradition it seems.

[sonias]

1. Some back story - since I didn't know the story

Dallas Morning News 9/1/09
Archive: FBI probe at Dallas City Hall

September 1, 2009
Former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, his appointee to the city plan commission, D’Angelo Lee, and a web of associates are accused of funneling bribes from low income housing developers in exchange for political support for their projects. The sweeping case originally involved more than a dozen defendants, but many have since pleaded guilty, including Southwest Housing developer Brian Potashnik.

Sonia

[Aragorn]

2. this is chronic

I grew up in DFW and it's always someone. Seems like they usually go after the black guys for criminal charges though.

[kjackson227]

3. Personally, I think they got what they deserved...

People like this don't help the City of Dallas, or Dallas County. We need to get rid of all the riff-raff regardless of their race. I think there's even more corruption in the city council, mayor's office, commissioners, and one particular senator, but they are too savvy to get caught. With the exception of Eddie Bernice Johnson, I think it's time to get rid of all the old hats who have held onto their positions way too long, but who have not, imho, done much for this city.

[tammywammy]

4. I'm not in Dallas, but I agree

Don Hill didn't even help his case when he lied on the stand ruining any shred of credibility he possibly could have had.

[kjackson227]

5. Yep, he was really smug about the whole thing. But I'll tell you this...

there were a lot more involved in this besides him who needs to be behind bars. Hopefully, they'll get their come-uppance also.

[tammywammy]

6. I agree

I'm just over in Arlington and I followed this closely for a while, but lately I've been too busy to really pay attention at all to it (other than knowing the screwed up on the stand).