Ex-Florida U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown Set To Testify
It’s the defense’s turn in the Jacksonville corruption trial of ex-Florida U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown.
Prosecutors wrapped up their case Thursday morning with testimony from an I.R.S. agent. That agent said that Brown never reported $142 thousand in deposits to her personal bank account as taxable income; money that came from her fake charity ostensibly set up to award education scholarships to poor kids.
The agent also says the I.R.S. could not find evidence of Brown’s claim that she donated money to churches and charities; donations she then claimed as deductions on her taxes.
Brown is accused of funneling money from the scholarship fund to finance a lavish lifestyle that included tickets to sports and entertainment events, private jets, high-end spending trips, and much more.
Brown blames her chief of staff, Ronnie Simmons, saying she had no idea money he was depositing into her personal account was coming from the charity.
Simmons testified yesterday that Brown masterminded the entire scheme. Brown herself is set to testify Thursday afternoon.
