PHOENIX (AP) - The Latest on jury selection at the bribery trial of former Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce (all times local):
4:49 p.m.
A jury has been picked at the trial of a former elected Arizona utility regulator charged with accepting bribes from a water company owner in exchange for favorable decisions.
Attorneys are scheduled to make opening statements Thursday at the trial of former Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce.
Authorities say Pierce took $31,000 in bribes funneled to him from water company owner George Johnson and tried to get Johnson to buy him a $350,000 piece of land.
In exchange, prosecutor said Pierce voted for a rate increase that benefited the water company and approved a measure that lets the firm’s owner use ratepayer money to pay his personal income tax bill.
Pierce, his wife, Sherry, Johnson and lobbyist Jim Norton have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
8:44 a.m.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin for a former elected Arizona utility regulator charged with accepting bribes from a water company owner in exchange for favorable decisions.
It’s unclear whether opening statements will be made Wednesday at the trial of former Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce.
Authorities say water company owner George Johnson funneled $31,000 to Pierce and his wife through a consulting firm.
Pierce also is accused of trying to arrange for the purchase of a $350,000 piece of land that would be paid for by Johnson.
An indictment doesn’t make clear what became of the property purchase, but a defense attorney in the case has said the transaction never occurred.
Pierce, his wife Sherry, Johnson and lobbyist Jim Norton have pleaded not guilty to bribery and other charges.
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