The Stevens trial has had its fair share of ups and downs for both sides. The outcome looks uncertain. Now Stevens has stepped up to testify on his own behalf. Will it tip the case in his favor? We’ll see what the jurors have to say.
By Richard Mauer and Erika BolstadAnchorage Daily News WASHINGTON — Sen. Ted Stevens took the stand in his own defense this afternoon, asserting in a dramatic and rapid-fire exchange with his lawyer that he has done no wrong.
“Senator, when you signed those forms, did you believe they were accurate and truthful?” asked his lawyer, Brendan Sullivan.
“Yes sir,” Stevens said.
“Did you ever intentionally file false disclosure forms?” his lawyer asked.
“No, I did not,” Stevens said.
“Did you ever engage in any scheme to conceal anything from the Senate?” Sullivan asked.
“No sir,” Stevens said.
The 84-year-old Alaska Republican is on trial for failing to report more than $250,000 in alleged gifts and services, largely from the oil field service company Veco and its chief executive, his former friend Bill Allen. Most of the gifts are connected to renovations that doubled the size of the Stevenses’ home.
For Full Story Read Defense’s Latest Motion-Oct. 16 Read Government’s Latest Motion-Oct. 16