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Trayon White federal trial nears jury deliberations
The fate of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White could soon be in the hands of a federal jury as prosecutors prepare closing arguments and the defense presses a motion for dismissal.
WASHINGTON - The fate of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White could soon be in the hands of a federal jury as prosecutors prepare closing arguments and the defense presses a motion for dismissal.
Tuesday’s proceedings focused on several issues for the judge to resolve, including the defense’s dismissal motion, a standard step, and final instructions that will be given to jurors.
RELATED: Prosecution and defense rest in federal bribery trial for DC Councilman Trayon White
TRAYONWHITE-TRIAL WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: D.C. Council member Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8) arrives to the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Court House in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. (Photo by Allison Robbert/For The Washin …
Prosecutors allege the Ward 8 councilmember accepted cash and up to $156,000 in kickbacks from businessman‑turned‑FBI informant Allieu Kumara in exchange for help securing city violence‑interruption program contracts.
White’s defense has acknowledged he took the cash but argues it was not a bribe. Kumara, White’s brother‑in‑law, faces separate criminal charges for stealing money from a COVID Paycheck Protection Program and agreed to cooperate with federal investigators in hopes of a lighter sentence.
RELATED: FBI informant testifies in DC Councilman Trayon White’s federal bribery trial
The defense is also asking the judge to allow jury instructions that would let jurors consider entrapment, a claim prosecutors say is unsupported by evidence.
If convicted, White, who was expelled from the council but later won back his Ward 8 seat, faces up to 15 years in prison.
The trial resumes at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Associated Press and previous FOX 5 reporting.