Workers Testify in Stevens Corruption Trial
Workers detail home renovations, as key witness is expected to testify Monday.
Sept. 26, 2008— -- The trial of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens continued today with testimony from several employees of the now-defunct company that allegedly renovated his simple A-frame home in Girdwood, Alaska, into a luxurious three-story structure.
Veco accountant Cheryl Boomershine, the main prosecution witness, discussed in detail invoices and records that employees of the oil field services company submitted to their main office relating to work at Stevens' home. Company invoices and records note references to "Girdwood Utilities" and "Girdwood Consultants," despite the nature of the company's business.
On the second day of the trial at a federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., the prosecution also entered into evidence two checks from Stevens and his wife Catherine to Veco for services rendered. The checks, one for $420.28 from 2003 and another for $1,710.41 from August 2005, were for transportation related to trips Stevens took with Veco, and for which he was reimbursing the company.
In July, a grand jury indicted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator, on charges that he lied on required Senate financial disclosure forms to conceal $250,000 worth of gifts, including a major renovation of his home.
Stevens has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Today, the prosecution also submitted into evidence a Veco receipt relating to costs at the Stevens home associated with Rocky Williams, the project supervisor.
Prosecutors provided a detailed review of the construction done on Stevens' home. The jury heard from a roofer, electrician and steel fabrication worker who worked on the house. The testimony included specifics about wires in the house, as well as a generator.
Only one worker testified that he saw Stevens at his house when it was under construction. Another worker, a contractor with Christensen Builders, testified today that Catherine Stevens brought muffins to the construction site one day when she was monitoring the work. Also submitted into evidence was a picture of the house jacked up and placed on stilts.
The rather uneventful testimony today is expected to lay the groundwork for former Veco CEO Bill Allen's testimony Monday. The lawyers today met in closed session to address issues surrounding surveillance tapes that may be released as early as Monday. The tapes are believed to detail several conversations between Stevens and Allen.
