Ex-lawmaker asks judge to toss fraud verdict

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown has asked a federal judge to reverse the verdict of a jury who found her guilty of using funds from a purported children’s educational charity as a personal slush fund.

Brown was convicted of taking money raised for the One Door for Education Foundation and lying on her taxes and congressional financial disclosure forms.

According to news reports, Brown’s attorneys argued in federal court on Monday that the judge erred by removing a juror who said he received guidance about Brown’s innocence from what he described as “the holy spirit.”

Prosecutors have said the judge had no legal choice but to remove the juror.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan did not immediately issue a ruling from the bench.