PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Prosecutors called some unlikely witnesses to the stand on Monday in the federal bribery trial of Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, his wife, Dawn Chavous, and two former Universal company executives.
The witnesses have, or had, close personal and professional relationships with one or more of the defendants.
Education consultant Karren Dunkley testified that she dated former Universal CEO Rahim Islam — a defendant in the case — for a year and a half. She testified with a grant of immunity from prosecution to helping Islam allegedly disguise a campaign contribution to an unnamed candidate.
Dunkley also was a consultant for Universal. Her testimony was intended to show she had done the lion’s share of work on two big state grants that Chavous had charged for under her contract with Universal.
The government alleges Chavous’ contract was a bribe in disguise to get Johnson to help with real estate the company owned in his district.
Related
Chavous’ former employee, Portia Bullard, also testified under immunity. Prosecutors tried to show she and Chavous had done little work for the Universal contract, but Bullard testified that she had attended meetings, made calls, did some event planning, corresponded with officials and arranged tours of Universal schools.
Two of Johnson’s aides also testified. They said they didn’t know Chavous had a contract with Universal when they were working on the company’s real estate issues.
Related
Johnson’s chief of staff, Chris Sample, said he didn’t find out until years later, when he was subpoenaed, which was a surprise. Former legislative aide Steve Cobb said he would have liked to have known as well.
“That might be something you’d want to get an ethics opinion about,” he added.
Former city Managing Director Brian Abernathy also testified, and developer Ori Feibush is expected on the stand Tuesday. He ran against Johnson for City Council and sued him.
Related
