Trial Against Sen. Stevens to Proceed, Judge Rules

WASHINGTON (CN) - A federal judge decided to proceed with the government corruption case against Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, denying the defense's request for a mistrial and motion to dismiss the case.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan chided prosecutors for withholding information they were supposed to turn over to the defense, including an FBI agent's report of an interview with Bill Allen, a former oil services executive who allegedly paid for renovations to the Republican senator's home.

Chief prosecutor Brenda Morris called the oversight "a serious mistake."

Though Sullivan reproached prosecutors, he allowed the trial to continue on Monday.

A federal grand jury indicted Stevens, 84, on charges that he omitted $250,000 in gifts and services on Senate disclosure forms. Prosecutors say he failed to report the renovations to his house in Girdwood, Alaska.

Allen testified on Monday that he never sent Stevens a bill, though Stevens' attorneys say their client paid every bill he received.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit