AKRON, Ohio - A federal jury will continue deliberating Monday in the corruption trial of Cuyahoga County judge accused of fixing a foreclosure case.
Judge Steven Terry is on trial in Akron after he was charged with five different corruption charges.
The closing arguments were given Friday morning, followed by the judge giving the jury instructions early afternoon.
On Friday, the prosecutor said there are recorded phone conversations between Terry and former Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo that prove Terry was corrupt.
“I did what you wanted in the case. I took care of the issues and denied all motions,” Terry allegedly said to Russo during one of the calls from July 2008.
The defense argued that there’s insufficient evidence to convict Terry. Terry’s attorney told the jury that his client is a smart guy, but naïve and not corrupt. He described the judge as a well-meaning, trusting court official.
Terry took the stand two different days during the trial. He testified that he gave both sides in the case in question equal footing.
Russo, who is facing 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the corruption scandal, testified earlier this week that he gave campaign contributions to Terry and expected to get benefits, like favorable rulings, in return.
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