Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
Cleveland trial over $100M charity fraud nears end, with no testimony by mysterious defendant
CLEVELAND – Attorneys are set to present closing arguments in the Cleveland trial of a mysterious defendant charged in a $100 million, cross-country veterans charity fraud.
Jurors will get the case after final statements Wednesday.
Some jurors appeared surprised Tuesday when the defence rested without calling witnesses, including the defendant who identifies himself as 67-year-old Bobby Thompson. Authorities identify him as Harvard-trained attorney John Donald Cody.
A defence attorney says the former fugitive made the last-minute decision not to testify because he was concerned about his mental state if he faced aggressive cross-examination by prosecutors.
He is charged with looting the United States Navy Veterans Association, a charity he ran in Tampa, Fla.
Authorities believe he defrauded donors of up to $100 million in 41 states. A fraction of that was found.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
