Trayon White federal bribery trial focuses on FBI informant testimony

The federal bribery trial of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White has entered its third day, focusing on allegations that White accepted cash in exchange for influencing government contracts. Prosecutors allege White received $35,000 in cash over four meetings between June and August 2024 from businessman Allieu Kamara. The government claims these payments were part of a larger arrangement intended to secure approximately $5.2 million in contracts related to violence intervention services, which could have ultimately resulted in $156,000 in payments to White.

Allieu Kamara, acting as an FBI informant, testified that he provided the cash to secure White’s help with city contracts. Kamara is cooperating with federal authorities to receive a more lenient sentence for separate charges involving the theft of COVID-19 relief funds. During the proceedings, jurors viewed video footage of meetings where White appeared to accept envelopes of cash.

White has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 15 years in prison. His defense team is challenging the credibility of Kamara, arguing that the money may have been owed to White from previous business dealings rather than being bribes. The defense has also questioned Kamara’s memory and motivations during cross-examination.