Lawmaker’s trial delayed, jury out of court over video dispute
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) – The trial of a Connecticut state senator and his 2018 campaign treasurer on federal fraud charges has been delayed indefinitely amid a legal battle over whether a 28-minute video that surfaced recently can be used as evidence.
Jury selection began Tuesday for the trial of Democratic Bridgeport Senator Dennis Bradley and Jessica Martinez on allegations that they covered up campaign violations committed at a 2018 party hosted by Bradley while searching near $180,000 in public campaign funds from a state program. Bradley and Martinez deny the charges and have pleaded not guilty.
U.S. District Judge Victor Bolden in Bridgeport dismissed the jurors on Thursday, in response to federal prosecutors saying they would appeal his ruling banning the use of party video in the case.
Prosecutors said a witness gave them the video on May 24. They claim it shows that Bradley and Martinez knew campaign contributions were being solicited from the party and then lied to state election officials when they said no fundraising took place.
Bradley’s lawyers asked Bolden to ban the video, saying prosecutors violated the rules of court evidence by releasing the video so late and close to trial, which made the case more difficult for the defense. They said the FBI had previously given the defense three shorter videos and knew there was a longer video, but only sought it last month.
Prosecutors argued in court documents filed Friday that the case should be stayed pending their appeal to the US 2nd Circuit of Appeals in New York – a claim disputed by defense attorneys.
Authorities say Bradley and Martinez lied about the party to hide campaign violations that allegedly prevented them from receiving public funds. They also allege Bradley violated spending limits when he paid for the party.