The federal bribery trial of Poway defense contractor Brent Wilkes resumes today in San Diego. Wilkes is accused of multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy and bribery of "Duke" Cunningham, the former Republican congressman serving more than eight years in prison. Reporter Seth Hettena has more.
Over the course of a decade, prosecutors say, Wilkes provided Cunningham with more than $600,000 in bribes. In exchange, the politically connected defense contractor received millions of dollars in pork-barrel contracts and became a wealthy man.
The prosecution is expected to call its first witness after the jury of seven women and five men hears opening statements this morning. Cunningham has been brought back to San Diego in preparation for the trial and is likely to testify. Other potential witnesses include two prostitutes who Wilkes allegedly provided to Cunningham during a luxury vacation in Hawaii.
For KPBS radio I'm Seth Hettena.
