Prosecution's key witnesses take stand in Johnny Thomas trial

MILWAUKEE -- Wednesday, August 22nd was "Day Three" in the trial against former Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny Thomas. Thomas is accused of accepting a bribe in order to put a contract on the agenda for the financial committee he chaired. The defense in the case says Thomas assumed the $500 was a campaign contribution. The prosecution called its two key witnesses in the Thomas case Wednesday -- the investigator behind the sting, and the man who performed it.

$500 was given to Thomas through a sting operation involving Milwaukee County's Director of Administrative Services, Patrick Farley. Farley said all he wanted to know was why a Milwaukee County vendor's contract hadn't been pushed through committee.

Investigator Aaron Weiss took the stand Wednesday, in addition to Farley. Weiss said he asked Farley if he would be willing to use a recorder and record telephone calls and other contact with Thomas. Weiss also helped Farley set up the sting.

Farley met Thomas at a Dunkin Donuts, where the two discussed the contract and what it would take to bring it to a vote.

"With the information that I heard on the audio, it caused me to believe that Mr. Thomas was soliciting a bribe in order to schedule the contract," Weiss said.

Eventually, another in-person meeting was scheduled, where Farley secretly recorded video of Thomas accepting an envelope full of cash. The defense had their chance to question the investigator, arguing Thomas never directly asked for more cash. Weiss didn't see it that way.

"I believe he wanted the second half, which is why he sent the fundraising email," Weiss said.

The defense was able to begin its cross-examination of Farley late Wednesday afternoon. Farley's testimony wrapped up just before 5:00 p.m.

The prosecution may rest their case Thursday morning, and the defense's first witnesses could take the stand.

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