Federal Jury Hears Arguments In Erwin Case

Closing arguments were delivered this afternoon in the federal corruption trial of former Rep. Randall Erwin.

The southeastern Oklahoma Democrat faces seven felony counts, including conspiracy, money laundering and failure to provide honest public services.

This is the second federal jury to hear the case; a first jury failed to reach a verdict last year.

Erwin’s defense rested today without calling any witnesses, officials said.

Prosecutors allege Erwin took kickbacks from Steve Phipps in exchange for $1.1 million in taxpayer money Erwin earmarked for Phipps' businesses in 2003 and 2004. Phipps was involved with former Senator Gene Stipe and others in what prosecutors said was a criminal enterprise that included campaign contributions in the names of straw donors, money laundering and conspiracy. The case sent former Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori, to prison.

Image courtesy The Oklahoman.

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