Judge declares mistrial in federal bribery case against Kenyatta Johnson, wife

A jury of 9 males and three ladies started deliberating on April 13 within the trial of Philadelphia Metropolis Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and his spouse, Daybreak Chavous.

The FBI investigated this case for six years, interviewing 150 folks, earlier than charging the couple with two counts of trustworthy providers fraud, which is punishable by as much as 20 years in jail.

After 25 hours of deliberations, the jury instructed the choose Tuesday afternoon they had been “unable to unanimously come to an settlement,” and that they didn’t “imagine any particular person will change their minds, even with further proof.”

A spokesperson with the US Lawyer’s Workplace of Jap District of Pennsylvania says the federal government is dedicated to retrying the case towards Johnson and Chavous.

Johnson briefly spoke to members of the media after leaving the courthouse.

“At first, I simply need to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ, and I need to thank all of my household, pals for simply praying for us and exhibiting us help throughout this irritating time,” stated Johnson.

Federal prosecutors alleged Johnson, a three-term council member, and his spouse had been provided $66,000 in bribes disguised as consulting work for Common Firms.

In return, Johnson allegedly used his place on Metropolis Council to introduce and vote on spot zoning laws which, finally, financially benefitted Common Firms, which owned property in Johnson’s district.

SEE ALSO: Jury says they’re having arduous time reaching verdict in Kenyatta Johnson bribery trial

The jury was requested to determine whether or not the defendant knowingly devised a scheme or was keen to take part in a plan to defraud residents.

Prosecutors say as a guide, Chavous did little or no work and as soon as she acquired her consulting charges, she transferred the cash to her and Johnson’s private financial institution accounts.

Abdur Rahim Islam and Shahied Dawan – two executives with Common Firms — stand accused of bribing Johnson and Chavous.

The Common Firms executives face costs, together with racketeering, conspiracy, tax evasion and wire fraud. A date for his or her trial has not been set.