Today marked the beginning of the United States (U.S.) v Michael Kimbrew. Kimbrew is facing one count of attempted extortion and a second count of accepting a bribe from an illegal marijuana dispensary operating in the city of Compton.
The U.S. attorney’s allege that between March and May 2015, while Kimbrew was employed as an employee of former Congresswoman Janice Hahn, he approached operators of an illegal dispensary, requesting $5,000, to ensure they weren’t shut down.
As both sides detailed their witness lists, Compton City Attorney Craig Cornwell is listed to testify on behalf of Kimbrew.
The jury was seated today, with seven women and five men, which doesn’t include any African-Americans.
Kimbrew’s public defender states the $5,000 he accepted wasn’t a bribe but rather a payment to cultivate a good relationship with other illegal dispensary owners.
Prosecutors called witnesses which included a former employee of the illegal marijuana dispensary, now identified as “Green Legends” who testified Kimbrew came in multiple times seeking the owners. He left his official business card to be passed to the owners.
Owners testified they met with Kimbrew in Congresswoman Hahn’s office, located inside of City Hall. One remarked they noticed a picture in Kimbrew’s office as a woman he identified as his “sister”. The woman was identified as Compton Mayor Aja Brown.
The day ended with the Federal undercover agent “Victor” on the stand and the jury viewing video evidence of Kimbrew’s interaction with him. Observers were not allowed to present during “Victor’s” testimony.
Tomorrow we will hear testimony from Eric Boyd, another employee in former Congresswomans Hahn’s office.
2UrbanGirls noticed Compton City Treasurer Doug Sanders in court presumably on Kimbrew’s behalf.
The trial is expected to last until the end of this week.
6 Comments
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well he didn’t defend him our city attorney testimonial word put the nail in mr kimbrews coffin
No, Mr. Kimbrew’s OWN words are putting him in jail. 2UrbanGirls is looking further into the city attorney and code enforcement departments handling of the illegal dispensaries. stay tuned…
Wow is that what Compton’s hard working home owners are paying for, defending crooks instead of fixing our city’s street’s. Mayor Brown has a moral obligation to represent the citizens not the Cannabis industry. I recognized him from being at a council meeting possible campaign donator?
Why are our elected oficial standing up for a crook?
In another article it clearly states Craig was Subpuened. “City Business” can mean just about anything from the toilet is plugged to whatever. It would be a distraction for the jury if Cornwell would have said “Yes”. Let’s all think clearly. I would only call Craig as a witness if I was desperate. Craig is a nice guy and all, but you know what I mean.