Jury hears closing remarks in 3rd trial tied to Whitmer plot
A jury in Michigan has heard closing remarks from a judge in the third trial to determine whether to convict Bill Baranowski, who is accused of lying to Congress, after he admitted lying to investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit.
After about an hour and a half of deliberation, the jury began deliberations Wednesday morning.
It takes the jury about two hours and a half to go through a complete case.
In her closing remarks, Judge Christine M. Garzatt also had the chance to address a handful of witnesses, which is not customary in Michigan juries.
On Tuesday, prosecutors said they would have no more witnesses in the trial, which is considered a marathon trial.
“We’ve got to move on,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan D. Davis.
Prosecutors said they were going to call no additional witnesses because of a lack of evidence.
Prosecutor Mark F. Gross said he was trying to address the issue of Baranowski’s role in the Whitmer administration’s attempt to push through a bill to weaken Michigan’s minimum wage law without the consent of the voters.
“This is the third day in a row where we’ve discussed it,” Gross said. “We’ve been able to tell you the first half of last week about it. I think it’s time for you to see what we’re going to take to the jury.”
Bolanowski, who faces felony charges in three federal convictions, was arrested with his sister in June 2016, after she was accused of helping him get away from the FBI and into the state Capitol.
Prosecutors said they were unable to find witnesses who could back Baranowski’s version of events.
