JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown has a new lawyer who is vowing to take the government's fraud case against her to trial.
The Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/2bTCH4Q) reports that Brown's new attorney, James Smith of Orlando, appeared with her on Tuesday. Brown's previous attorneys withdrew from the case because of irreconcilable differences.
Brown and her chief of staff have pleaded not guilty to charges in a 22-count indictment that includes conspiracy and wire fraud. The charges stem from a purported charity that investigators say was, in reality, an $800,000 personal slush fund.
Brown appeared in court Tuesday for the first time since losing re-election in the Aug. 30 primary, a defeat that will end her 24-year congressional career. Brown has blamed the case and redistricting for her loss.
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Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com
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