Home > Blog > Archives > 2006 > February > 07
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
News anchor to tell of relationship with Campbell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She’s younger, attractive and successful and when she takes the witness stand, possibly as early as Wednesday, all eyes will be on her.
Not just because Marion Brooks is a TV news personality, but because she is expected to describe her long-term relationship with former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell during his public corruption trial.
Brooks, 39, was an anchor and reporter at ABC-affiliate WSB-TV when Campbell, was mayor — and married. The two went on several trips, including a getaway in Paris.
The trip to France is at issue in Campbell’s federal trial because he is accused of taking payoffs, including the trip to Paris, from city contractors. Brooks has turned over records of her bank account to federal prosecutors in Atlanta.
She and Campbell initially continued to see one another after she moved to Chicago in late 1997.
Brooks now anchors the 4:30 and 5 p.m. weekday newscasts on NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5. She married Florida lawyer Ruye Hawkins last year and is now pregnant and dreading rehashing her past relationship with Campbell, according to one of her friends.
During the trial’s opening statements, defense attorney Fred Orr told jurors: “What may have happened between Bill Campbell and another woman is between Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Campbell, his wife of 28 years.â€?
However, prosecutors told jurors that Campbell had relationships with several women.
Along with Brooks, an FBI agent and a United Water official are on the witness list for Wednesday. Prosecutors claim United Water paid for the Paris trip. The company had a 20-year contract to operate Atlanta’s water system. Prosecutors say Campbell later signed documents giving United Water an $80 million increase in the contract.
The judge called off court for today after the defense team made the request so Campbell could attend Coretta Scott King’s funeral.
Permalink | | Categories: Bill Campbell trial
