Trayon White federal bribery trial jury sworn in

A jury has been sworn in for the federal bribery trial of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White. The panel consists of 12 primary jurors and two alternates. White faces a single federal bribery charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and the loss of his council seat. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that during the summer of 2024, White accepted $35,000 in cash payments in exchange for using his public position to help a businessman maintain or extend city contracts, including those involving the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. The prosecution further alleges White agreed to accept approximately $156,000 in kickbacks, representing a 3% cut of the government contracts.

The government intends to present evidence including text messages, WhatsApp communications, and recordings made by a confidential FBI source. The defense is expected to challenge the FBI investigation, potentially arguing entrapment or questioning the credibility of the confidential source, who was working under a plea deal.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin Tuesday morning. U.S. District Judge Randolph Contreras has instructed the jury to avoid all media coverage and refrain from independent research regarding the case.