La. Ex-Governor’s Trial Nears End

BATON ROUGE, La. — Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards extorted about $3 million from riverboat casino operators because he was driven by “avarice and greed,” federal prosecutors said Tuesday in closing arguments at his 14-week trial on racketeering charges.

Edwards, 72, “had people in special roles, and the goal was making money,” Assistant U.S. Atty. Jim Letten said. “They were motivated and fueled by one factor: avarice and greed . . . propelled by the power and influence” achieved during the former governor’s unprecedented four terms in office.

Edwards, his son Stephen Edwards, cattle auctioneer Cecil Brown, former gubernatorial aide Andrew Martin, businessman Bobby Johnson, state Sen. Greg Tarver and gaming commission board member Ecotry Fuller are accused in some or all of five corruption schemes.

They are accused of extorting $3 million from applicants for riverboat casino licenses, including former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo, and face a total of 33 counts of racketeering, money laundering and wire and mail fraud.

The defense will present its closing arguments today and Thursday morning, and the jury will begin deliberations after U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola gives them his instructions Monday, a court official said.