Federal Prosecutors Plan To Retry City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, Wife Dawn Chavous After Mistrial Declared In Bribery Case
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia city councilmember Kenyatta Johnson returned to work Wednesday after a mistrial was declared in the federal bribery case against Johnson and his wife, Dawn Chavous. On Tuesday, the two walked out of the federal courthouse after the jury was deadlocked. Prosecutors claim Johnson accepted bribes disguised through a consulting contract with his wife.
Developer Universal Companies, a nonprofit, was trying to redevelop the Royal Theater on South Street.
Chavous was paid $67,000.
Prosecutors said it was a veiled bribe to secure Johnson's vote to rezone the property. Johnson, meanwhile, says he's ready to move forward.
"First and foremost I just want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ," Johnson said. "I want to thank my family, friends, and supporters for praying for us and showing us support during this very stressful time."
Johnson's attorneys say there was a lack of evidence. Federal prosecutors say they plan to re-try the couple.