Defense to rest in trial of man accused of bribing Palm Springs ex-mayor

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – The defense is slated to rest Thursday, setting the stage for closing arguments, in the trial of a real estate developer accused of enriching the one-time mayor of Palm Springs with six-figure bribes to cinch his support for downtown projects.

Testimony in the trial of 86-year-old John Elroy Wessman got underway two weeks ago at the Banning Justice Center. The prosecution rested Tuesday, after which the defense opened its case, which was expected to conclude on Thursday. Closing statements will start immediately after.

Wessman is charged with nine counts of bribery of a public official and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony…

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS