More on interstate commerce.Originally Posted by Keith Alan
"More than $65 million a day flows through that office." Shoffner who received thousands in cash gifts from Steele Stephens, a broker who made $2.5 million in commissions from deals with the office.
Shoffner's trial on extortion charges is expected to be completed today. Can her attorneys persuade a jury that cash gifts were just smelly actions of a friend helping a friend in need, or a crime?
The most interesting element of coverage today was a remark from Judge Leon Holmes that said defense attorneys had raised interesting questions of federal jurisdiction in the matter and that he might take briefs on the point if a verdict goes against Shoffner.
Defense attorney Grant Ballard then moved for acquittal, arguing that interstate commerce was not involved, no federal money was involved (may just be ) and no specific quid-pro-quo agreement existed between Shoffner and Stephens, so the requirements for federal extortion and bribery charges had not been met.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Mazzanti argued that interstate commerce was affected by the bond trades that Shoffner allowed Stephens to conduct, that the money the state treasurer’s office uses for investments includes some federal funds, and that Shoffner did approach Stephens with a request for financial help which he then provided and for which he received increased business and, consequently, commissions.
U.S. District Judge Leon Holmes said he would take the arguments under advisement and revisit them in the event of a guilty verdict.
From, http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog...asurers-office
2010 Arkansas Code
Title 14 - Local Government
Subtitle 2 - County Government
Chapter 23 - Claims Against Counties
Subchapter 1 - General Provisions
§ 14-23-106 - Allowance of more than amount due unlawful.
http://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas...r-1/14-23-106/
It will be interesting to read U.S. District Judge Leon Holmes verdict.
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