Ted Stevens Trial: “No Paper Trail” On Remodel; Judge Criticizes Prosecution On Witness Scheduling

Friday’s testimony from government witnesses centered on the extensive amount of work performed by VECO on Sen. Ted Stevens’ Alaska home. A number of tradesmen testified, inclding an electrician who worked about 400 hours on the project at about $29 per hour, none of which was ever billed to Stevens by VECO.

A 28-page expense report from VECO which was introduced into evidence contains a note that there is to be “no paper trail” and “no who” on the project “per Bill Allen” (former VECO CEO). VECO bookkeeper Cheryl Boomershine testified that she received the note after asking for an explanation of a certain expense.

Allen, the government’s key witness, is expected testify Monday ahead of schedule. Friday’s testimony went faster than expected, leading prosecutors to tell US District Judge Emmet Sullivan that witnesses originally scheduled Monday might not make it from Alaska in time. Judge Sullivan told them they had better get it straightened out and threatened to end their case early if the witnesses wren’t ready.

(McClatchy, DowJones Newswires)