William Beavers is ready for the witness stand: EXCLUSIVE
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By Larry Yellen, FOX 32 News Legal Analyst - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
FIRST ON FOX: Cook County Commissioner William Beavers didn't pull any punches Saturday night, as he heads into a federal trial that could land him in prison. Jury selection begins Monday for the former alderman and Chicago police officer.
In an exclusive Saturday night interview with FOX 32 News, Beavers sounded just as defiant as the day he was charged.
The commissioner said he is not as bitter now as he was when he charged one year ago, and when he accused then-U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald of Gestapo tactics.
However, Beavers isn't backing off one bit regarding the reason be believes he was indicted. He insists that he was charged because he refused to wear a wire for the feds against other county politicians.
The prosecutors deny that. In court records, they there is "no evidence of vindictiveness on the part of the government in this case."
Prosecutors claim Beavers simply failed to pay income taxes for three years on $226,000 he took from his campaign funds, spending most of it on gambling.
The commissioner appeared relaxed and confident Saturday, saying that he is ready and anxious to take the witness stand, if necessary.
"I'm going to get up there and tell the truth, raise my hand and swear before God to tell the truth," Beavers said. "They are going to see that I'm telling the truth, and that they are lying."
The U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment on Beavers' remarks, due to justice department guidelines.
FOX 32 News will have more of Beavers' interview Sunday night - and a surprise from defense attorney Sam Adam Jr.
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