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DEL.ICIO.USDirt deal brought Campbell dirty money, feds say
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Over the past four weeks, more than 50 witnesses have testified in the federal corruption trial of former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell. Today — as the fifth week of testimony begins — the Campbell trial turns, literally, to dirt: expensive dirt for a new runway at the Atlanta airport. Other witnesses are expected to testify about cash bribes and computer contracts.
WHO IS EXPECTED TO TESTIFY: Contractor C.R. “Ronnie� Thornton
WHY IS HE IMPORTANT: In 1997, Thornton allegedly was trying to get a contract to provide dirt to build a fifth runway at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Prosecutors claim Thornton was told by Campbell that he had to raise $100,000 for Campbell’s 1997 runoff election. Thornton allegedly raised the money illegally. In December 1999, after Campbell won the runoff election, the city bought $2 million worth of dirt from Thornton. The dirt was used to level the ground needed for the fifth runway, which has not yet opened.
WHAT DEFENSE SAYS: Witnesses such as Thornton have deals with prosecutors and therefore their testimony is suspect.
WHO IS EXPECTED TO TESTIFY: Vendor Samuel Barber Jr., owner of American Computer Technology
WHY IS HE IMPORTANT: Barber joined Campbell’s campaign finance committee and funded illegal contributions because he wanted city business, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally Yates’ opening statement to the jury. After the election, he received a software contract with the city.
WHAT THE DEFENSE SAYS: “Sam Barber, when confronted by the FBI, said, ‘I never gave Bill Campbell a cent,’� defense attorney Billy Martin told jurors in his opening statement. Martin claims Barber “lied repeatedly� and agreed to testify only after the government told him: “We’ve got you. Now, give us the mayor.�
WHO IS EXPECTED TO TESTIFY: Vendor Dan DeBardelaben, owner of Concept 2000 Atlanta, a subcontractor to Barber’s company, American Computer Technology.
WHY IS HE IMPORTANT: DeBardelaben’s company and Barber’s company were given a Y2K computer contract, without a bid, after DeBardelaben told Campbell he wanted a computer deal with the city, prosecutor Yates said in her opening statement. During that meeting Campbell allegedly said: “What’s in it for me?� DeBardelaben allegedly responded: “Whatever it takes.� Months later, according to the government, DeBardelaben paid the mayor, Yates said. He went by the mayor’s home, and Campbell opened the trunk of his car and told DeBardelaben to drop in the $25,000 bribe, according to Yates. “DeBardelaben did as he was instructed,� the prosecutor said.
WHAT THE DEFENSE SAYS: DeBardelaben “is going to commit perjury here if he’s going to say what the government says he said,� defense attorney Jerry Froelich said in his opening statement.
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