Update: The state has rested its case against state Sen. Don Balfour. Defense begins case with testimony by former Gov. Roy Barnes. Earlier post continues below.
The prosecution has yet to rest its case against state Sen. Don Balfour, but the defense already has presented much of its case that the longtime lawmaker should not be held criminally responsible for mistakes made in his expense reports.
Assistant Attorney General David McLaughlin spent much of Tuesday walking former GBI agent Wesley Horn through a confusing series of dates and paperwork laying out the state’s case that Balfour, R-Snellville, claimed bogus mileage and reimbursements. However he was frustrated by defense attorney William Hill Jr. who three times objected when McLaughlin mistakenly brought up the wrong dates.
The confusion bolsters Balfour’s claims that errors in 16 expense reports filed over five years were simple mistakes made by a busy man who has problems with details but is not a criminal.
In his cross-examination of Horn, Hill hammered at mistakes made in the 18-count indictment charging Balfour. Hill said the indictment incorrectly cites wrong or non-existent parts of state law.
“This is a very serious document,” he said.
Hill continued by parsing the indictment, noting for the jury that some of the counts were for double billing mileage resulting in paltry sums. One count was for overbilling the state for $21.04.
The trial is expected to wrap up by Wednesday. If convicted, Balfour would lose his seat in the Senate and could spend years in prison. If not, he will return to the Senate having lost his seniority and much of his prestige.
Former Gov. Roy Barnes is in the courtroom having been subpoenaed by the defense. He is one of a number of prominent current and former politicians who may be called to testify by Balfour’s team.
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