By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – Defense attorneys in the federal conspiracy trial of former Jefferson County Commissioner Jeff Germany are expected to call their first witnesses Monday. Germany is accused of misusing county money for personal gain. He has pleaded not guilty. He's charged with using nonprofit agencies to funnel thousands of dollars to people or other organizations who might not qualify for aid under county rules. Germany was a Jefferson County commissioner from 1990 to 2002 and he says he did not illegally use the discretionary funds. The prosecution finished its portion of the case Friday.