MCALLEN, Texas (AP) - Video of a South Texas judge taking an envelope of cash from a local lawyer aired in court as prosecutors opened their case accusing the former official of accepting bribes in exchange for favorable rulings.
The trial of former state district Judge Rodolfo Delgado opened at a McAllen federal court Wednesday with prosecutors showing the jury footage of Delgado taking more than $5,500 from a defense attorney who turned FBI informant.
Delgado’s defense said any payments the judge received from lawyer Noe Perez were for legitimate purposes, such as campaign contributions.
Delgado has pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and travel statute charges. He resigned in spring 2018, saying he was stepping down from the bench to concentrate on his defense and avoid disrupting court operations.
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