Stevens Says DOJ Withheld Evidence, Seeks Dismissal Of Charges Or Mistrial

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Stevens Says DOJ Withheld Evidence, Seeks Dismissal Of Charges Or Mistrial
By John Bresnahan

(The Politico) Attorneys for Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) asked a federal judge on Sunday to dismiss corruption charges against him, or declare a mistrial, saying a key witness for the Justice Department is now offering evidence that proves his innocence.

They also allege that federal prosecutors knew that Rocky Williams, who served as the foreman of renovation work on Stevens' home for VECO Corp., an Alaska oil services company, had exculpatory evidence but failed to provide it to the defense.

The Justice Department alleges that Stevens failed to report more than $250,000 in improper gifts from Bill Allen, former CEO of VECO, during a period from 1999 to 2006. In that same time period, Stevens reportedly took a number of official actions to benefit VECO.

Stevens has denied the charges, and both he and his attorneys claim Stevens paid every bill he was aware he received for the home renovation project. They charge, instead, that Allen deliberately withheld construction bills without Stevens' knowledge.

The new controversy over Rocky Williams' testimony could prove to be a serious problem for prosecutors.

more:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/29/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4484350.shtml