La.'s Jefferson testifies in bribe case

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

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Testifying under oath for the first time in his bribery case, Rep. William Jefferson, a Democrat, contradicted the testimony of FBI agents who said the August 2005 interview was cordial and friendly.

Jefferson is seeking to suppress statements to FBI agents during the interview, as well as evidence seized from the home.

Jefferson's lawyers argued that the circumstances of the interview were so hostile that Jefferson reasonably assumed he was under arrest, and that he therefore should have been advised of his right to remain silent and right to speak with an attorney.

Prosecutors contend that the interview was friendly and professional, and that Jefferson's statements were voluntary and should be allowed at trial.

In testimony lasting more than an hour at Thursday's pretrial hearing, Jefferson remained calm and mannerly, even in the face of an aggressive cross-examination. He frequently asked the judge's permission before repeating words he considered vulgar.



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