Defense Wraps April 15, 2008

The defense has wrapped up its case. Karen Tesdell’s attorney did not call any additional witnesses. Dan Albritton did not take the stand in his own defense and no witnesses were called by his attorney. Because of a schedule in the judge’s schedule, closing arguments are scheduled for Monday afternoon at one.

Tesdell: Salary, Bonuses Fair April 15, 2008

Karen Tesdell’s attorney asked her several questions this afternoon about her salary and cost of living increases while employed as an accountant at CIETC. Tesdell said she felt her salary and bonuses where fair and reasonable and that she never tried to hide those increases. When asked if she had any input into her bonus [...]

Barto’s Testimony April 15, 2008

Barto spent most of the morning on the stand answering questions from her attorney, much of the questioning dealt with her interaction with CIETC, her knowledge of the salaries and bonuses of CIETC executives.   Barto testified that she spent very little time in her day-to-day duties dealing with the CIETC operations and she referred [...]

Barto On Stand April 15, 2008

Jane Barto is currently on the stand, still answering questions from her attorney Leon Spies. He started by asking Barto if she had any kind of arrangement or sweetheart deal with Ramona Cunningham or John Bargman to funnel taxpayer money or get any kind of kick back from CIETC. She answered every question: “Absolutely not!” [...]

Taylor’s Motives April 14, 2008

There were a few tense moments during cross-examination about Taylor’s motive in questioning the excessive salaries at CIETC. Defense attorney Leon Spies asked whether Taylor was trying to get back at Jane Barto because he was passed up for a promotion. Taylor denied that was true. “The right moment for me is finally smiling after [...]

Taylor Takes The Stand April 14, 2008

A key witness for the prosecution, Kelly Taylor, the man who blew the whistle on the CIETC salary scandal, took the witness stand Monday morning.   He testified about the concerns he had related to the large sums of money designated for job training programs that was allocated to CIETC.   Taylor is a financial [...]

The culture inside CIETC April 11, 2008

Former employees of CIETC are taking the stand against their former bosses Friday at the CIETC trial in Davenport.   Jurors are hearing Friday more about the culture inside CIETC through more witnesses called to the stand who used to work there.   Several witnesses testified that while at CIETC, they were told to claim [...]

Walking Quorum April 11, 2008

Four of five Polk County supervisors just walked into the federal courthouse, along with an assistant Polk County attorney.  Supervisors Robert Brownell, Angela Connolly, E.J. Giovannetti and Tom Hockensmith have arrived to testify for the government.  Supervisor John Mauro is the only supervisor not listed on the government’s witness list. This morning federal prosecutors called [...]

Brooks Admits Affair with Cunningham April 10, 2008

After acknowledging his plea deal that brought Archie Brooks to the witness stand, it was the first question from Assistant U.S. Attorney John Courter.  “You had more than a professional relationship (with former CIETC CEO Ramona Cunningham)?”  The former CIETC Board chairman and Des Moines city councilman said yes.  Brooks admitted a 15 month relationship, [...]

Bargman, Brooks, Bolden April 9, 2008

Yesterday jurors found what CIETC’s former top three executives were making in salaries and bonuses.  Today prosecutors are trying to piece together how they came about.  Prosecutors called to the stand Dianne Bolden, who worked as former CEO Ramona Cunningham’s secretary.  Bolden testified that at some point she may have been asked to change CIETC [...]