Jefferson Judge Refuses To Dismiss Bribery Charges, More Aides Subpoenaed

Two more aides to embattled Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) have been subpoenaed to testify in his upcoming corruption trail, which is scheduled to begin in less than three weeks.

Angelle Kwemo, Jefferson's legislative director, adnd Erica Edwards-Jones, notified the House in formal letters today that they had received subpoenas from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Alexandria court where Jefferson's trial will be held.

Two other Jefferson staffers - and Stephanie R. Butler- as well as an Armed Services Committee staffer, Paul Arcangeli, notified the House last week that they had received similar subpoenas from that court.

Meanwhile, Jefferson's lawyers were in court today as part of a battle with Justice Department prosecutors over the Speech or Debate Clause. The New Orleans Times-Picuyane is reporting that U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis "refused to dismiss bribery charges against Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, rejecting arguments that grand jury testimony had improperly involved [Speech or Debate] issues protected by the Consitution."

The Times-Pic says Jefferson could delay the start of his trial if he decides to appeal today's decision.