Birmingham, AL – Testimony has concluded in the federal corruption trial of state Sen. E.B. McClain of Birmingham and a minister.
McClain's defense rested Tuesday without calling any witnesses. Earlier, the wife of the lawmaker's co-defendant, the Rev. Samuel Pettagrue, testified that her husband always wanted to help the community with outreach programs.
Prosecutors say Pettagrue accepted about $760,000 in state grant money obtained by McClain and then gave the lawmaker more than $300,000 in kickbacks.
Jurors are to get the case following closing arguments this afternoon and instructions from the judge.
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