Judge Hinkle unexpectedly breaks off trial; no reason given yet

Today is day five of the JT Burnette trial in the US court in Tallahassee.

Burnette is charged with giving a $ 100,000 bribe to former Tallahassee City Commissioner Scott Maddox in exchange for abstaining from voting on a downtown hotel project. He is also charged with arranging $ 40,000 in bribes from a front FBI company, Southern Pines Development, to a Maddox consulting firm.

JT Burnette trial will be closed for a week | 9:30 a.m. update

US District Judge Robert Hinkle said abruptly that the trial of JT Burnette will not proceed today.

“The process will not continue today,” announced Hinkle in a public meeting. “We’re not sure when we’ll be back next week.”

The announcement came after a secret hearing about an unknown issue. Hinkle and the prosecution and defense attorneys wore wireless microphones and headphones to discuss the matter privately. The court also activated white noise to prevent the audience from hearing the discussion.

At one point, Hinkle asked an FBI agent in the audience if he could hear anything. The agent stated that he couldn’t. Hinkle asked him to wave when their discussion was audible.

Both sides argued in sealed motions about the impeachment testimony, which the defense wants to use in cross-examination of an unknown witness. It is unclear whether this has anything to do with the delay.

Paige Carter-Smith and her attorney Stephen Webster left the federal court around 10:15 a.m.

Judge Hinkle is expected to issue an order explaining the delay around noon.

Test coverage:

Paige Carter-Smith’s testimony continues today | continues 8:30 a.m.

Paige Carter-Smith, who pleaded guilty to a scheme of bribery involving former City Commissioner Scott Maddox, will continue to testify today against local businessman John “JT” Burnette, who is on trial on extortion and other charges.

Carter-Smith took the stand for several hours Thursday, testifying to her knowledge of an alleged $ 100,000 bribe that Burnette Maddox paid for his help in the murder of a downtown hotel project and over $ 40,000 Dollars in bribes paid by undercover agents to Maddox of Southern Pines Development, an FBI-backed front company.

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.

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The post Judge Hinkle unexpectedly breaks off trial; no reason given yet first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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