Trayon White seeks acquittal in federal bribery trial

Trayon White, a D.C. Councilmember representing Ward 8, is facing a federal bribery trial following an FBI investigation. White faces one count of bribery and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The case centers on allegations that White accepted $35,000 in cash from Allieu Kamara, an FBI informant. Kamara testified that the money was intended to secure and extend violence-intervention contracts for his companies with the District of Columbia.

In a recent motion for acquittal, White’s defense team argued that the prosecution failed to prove White intended to be influenced. They contended that the mere knowledge that someone expects influence is insufficient under federal law. The defense also raised issues regarding the nature of the cash provided by the informant and whether the circumstances constituted entrapment.

As the trial nears jury deliberations, legal arguments have focused on how jurors will be instructed regarding the definition of bribery and what constitutes an ‘official act’ under the law.