Jury deliberations will continue Monday in trial of Philadelphia councilman, wife

A jury of 9 males and three ladies started deliberating Wednesday within the trial of the South Philadelphia couple.

Federal prosecutors allege Johnson, a three-term council member and his spouse have been supplied $66,000 in bribes disguised as consulting work for Chavous.

On Wednesday, the choose spent near an hour and a half charging the jury with the directions.

Jurors will weigh whether or not the defendant knowingly devised a scheme or was keen to take part in a plan to defraud residents.

Neither Johnson or his spouse took the stand in their very own protection, one thing that US District Decide Gerald A. McHugh says the jury shouldn’t consider whereas deciding a verdict.

“I am hoping everybody will get acquitted,” stated Ryan Taylor.

Johnson’s supporters, who’ve packed the courtroom the final a number of weeks, remained cautiously optimistic.

“I do not actually suppose that the prosecution introduced sufficient proof,” stated Al Custus, of Ralph Brooks Baseball league and a buddy of Johnson’s.

“I am hopeful that issues may end up proper for him. I pray they do,” stated Sylvia Bennet.

The jury should resolve unanimously on guilt or innocence.

If convicted, Johnson and his spouse withstand 40 years in jail.