Legal

Defense Claims Judge Overstepped in Fraud and Bribery Case, Requests New Trial for White and Hendricks

On Thursday, attorney Clive Rivers, representing former Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White, filed a motion seeking a new trial. Mr. White was convicted of fraud and bribery last week alongside contractor Benjamin Hendricks. Hendricks’s attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, has also filed a motion to join the request. According to the motion, “the trial judge invaded the province of the jury when it answered a question of fact although there was sufficient evidence to establish an inquiry that was for the jury to decide.” The filing further asserts, “The existence and effect of certain communications presented a factual question that was decided by the trial court instead of the jury.” Attorneys argue that this action violated the rules of evidence. The motion does not specify which question of fact presiding Judge Mark Kearney is alleged to have answered. Mr. Rivers has requested a 30-day delay in filing the accompanying memorandum of law, which is customary for such m...