DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — The corruption trial of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price saw a big, local name testify Tuesday.
Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinojosa took the witness stand and testified about a proposal that would create jobs. But according to Hinojosa, Price wanted the school district to lessen taxes on a company that once opposed the deal but later wanted to be part of it.
Legal analyst and attorney Loretta Powers says Hinojosa was only on the stand for a few minutes because Price’s lawyers didn’t cross-examine him, likely to avoid digging Price a deeper hole.
“Price’s lead attorney simply thanked him for his service and didn’t try to undermine his credibility as a witness,” Powers said. “My thoughts are they didn’t want him to say anything else that could be detrimental to Price’s case.”
Price is charged with multiple counts of bribery, mail fraud and tax evasion. The trial could last through June.
“They’re just building the case very slowly for the jury,” Powers said of how the trial has gone so far. “They want to make sure all of their I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed because this is a very high-profile and very popular commissioner. They want to make sure whenever they bring something to trial, they bring everything they have against him.”
