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Updated: 1:17 PM Dec 31, 2009
Final Arguments Submitted in Trial for Athens Co. Democratic Chairwoman
The two sides in an Athens County corruption trial have now submitted their final arguments to the judge, leaving it up to him to determine guilt or innocence.
Posted: 1:17 PM Dec 31, 2009Reporter: WSAZ News Staff Email Address: news@wsaz.com |
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8 Comments 
UPDATE: Thursday 12/31
By Fred Kight, WOUB News
ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The two sides in an Athens County corruption trial have now submitted their final arguments to the judge, leaving it up to him to determine guilt or innocence.
WOUB News obtained the court filings in the case of Susan Gwinn, the chairwoman of the Athens County Democratic Party. Special Prosecutor Dave Yost says Gwinn illegally concealed the source of campaign donations she had received while running for Athens County prosecutor.
He alleges she also used Democratic party funds for personal purposes.
In Yosts' words -- "The victim in each case is the integrity of our electoral system."
But defense attorney Dennis McNamara maintains he "has disproved or negated the elements of each offense, by clear and convincing evidence."
"Susan Gwinn believes the State identified a Defendant and went looking for criminal charges that could be proved" and "They found none," McNamara also wrote.
Visiting Judge William Wolff has already tossed out three of the charges against Gwinn.
Six counts against her remain.
UPDATE: Tuesday 12/22
ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- A judge has thrown out two bribery charges against the chairwoman of the Athens County Democratic Party.
Susan Gwinn is on trial in Athens County Common Pleas Court.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, the charges that were dropped Monday stem from a plan to pay Ohio University student volunteers $5 for each voter they brought to the polls for early voting in Athens' 4th Ward before the November general election. That ward had a contested city council race.
Gwinn still faces multiple felony counts.
The trial started last week.
UPDATE: Friday
ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The trial of Athens County Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Gwinn got off to a quick start Thursday.
There was no jury selection because a judge is hearing the case.
There were also no opening statements. Instead, Special Prosecutor David Yost immediately began calling witnesses, focusing on the charges of theft in office and unauthorized use of property.
The three counts involve payments to Time Warner Cable for advertising and Gwinn is accused of knowingly overpaying for ads for the Democratic party to cover ads for her law firm.
Defense Attorney Dennis McNamara suggested there had been billing mistakes by the cable company and claimed to have documents proving his point.
Athens County Democratic Party Treasurer and Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason was the first to testify. He said Gwinn often used her own credit card to pay party bills if the party was low on funds.
The trial continues Friday and is expected to last until the middle of next week.
ORIGINAL STORY: Thursday
ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Athens County Democratic Chairwoman Susan Gwinn is now on trial for several felony charges.
Gwinn’s trial started Thursday morning in Athens County Common Pleas Court.
Gwinn is charged with bribery in an alleged vote buying scheme, and financial wrongdoing related to her run for office.
Gwinn has pleaded not guilty to the charges. She has also refused calls for her to step down from her chairmanship.
David Yost of Delaware County is serving as special prosecutor in the case. Visiting Judge William Wolff is presiding over the case.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.
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Latest Comments
WSAZ please advise what the verdict was on this case. Thank you!
How do you know when a politician/lawyer is lying??... When their lips are moving...
Socialist/dems have always been proven to be nothing but common liers and thieves and also quick to point the finger somewhere else to take to focus off of the real issue. This also goes for the republicans as well.
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