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Trayon White federal bribery trial

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2026-09-17 22:56 UTC → 2026-09-22 03:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The federal bribery trial of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White began with a jury being sworn in to hear allegations regarding the acceptance of cash in exchange for influencing government contracts. Prosecutors allege that during the summer of 2024, White accepted $35,000 in cash and was expected to receive approximately $156,000 in kickbacks related to city contracts, including those for violence intervention services. As the trial progressed, testimony focused on Allieu Kamara, a businessman acting as an FBI informant. Kamara testified that he provided the cash payments to secure White’s assistance with city contracts. During the proceedings, the jury viewed video footage depicting meetings where White appeared to accept envelopes of cash. As the trial nears jury deliberations, White’s defense team has filed a motion for acquittal. The defense argues that the prosecution failed to prove White intended to be influenced, contending that “the mere knowledge that someone expects influence is insufficient under federal law.” The defense has also raised potential entrapment claims and questioned the nature of the cash provided. Legal arguments have centered on how jurors will be instructed regarding the definition of bribery and what constitutes an ‘official act’ under the law. White has pleaded not guilty and faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. His defense team has challenged the credibility of the informant, suggesting the funds may have been related to prior business dealings rather than bribes, and has questioned the informant's motivations and memory.

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