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Post by tcrashfx on Apr 12, 2007 3:55:22 GMT -5
FBI agent testifies Ford not a target at probe's start Attention focused on former senator as Waltz expanded
By WOODY BAIRD Associated Press MEMPHIS — Former state Sen. John Ford came with his hand out to undercover FBI agents posing as dishonest businessmen, an FBI agent testified Wednesday at Ford's public corruption trial. Ford, on trial on bribery and extortion charges, contends he was a business consultant drawing what he thought were honest payments. His lawyer says Ford was targeted by federal agents running a corruption investigation code-named Tennessee Waltz. But agent Brian Burns said investigators were looking for any corrupt lawmakers and Ford was not a target when the Tennessee Waltz began. "He was not a suspect of that investigation," Burns said. From article........ Willis (The informant) avoided prosecution for lying to a federal grand jury and was paid up to $6,000 a month as a Tennessee Waltz informant and E-Cycle front man. From 2003 until last year, Willis drew more than $200,000 from the government, Scholl said.
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