Former Atlanta mayor's federal corruption case goes to jury

<p>Jury deliberations started Thursday in the federal corruption trial of former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, who is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for city contracts.</p><p>There was some drama in the courtroom as U.S. District Judge Richard Story was issuing instructions to the jury. FBI agents arrived with a document for Story, causing a brief delay.</p><p>Later, Story said "We had a potential juror issue" but added "It has been determined all is well." He did not elaborate.</p><p>During closing arguments Wednesday, prosecutors reviewed in great detail the seven counts of racketeering, bribery and tax fraud against Campbell. If convicted on all counts, the 52-year-old Campbell faces a sentence of up to 59 years in prison. The racketeering count carries the steepest penalty of 20 years.</p><p>Prosecutors claim Campbell operated a web of corruption at City Hall during his two terms in office from 1994 to 2002, ordering subordinates to collect thousands from contractors who looked to do business with the city. Prosecutors told the jury that those payoffs came in the form of more than $160,000 in campaign contributions, cash, junkets and home improvements.</p><p>Defense Attorney Billy Martin argued it was not Campbell who bilked city contractors, but the people who surrounded him, enriching themselves and using Campbell's name without his knowledge.</p><p>The trial lasted seven weeks and included 60 witnesses. Campbell did not testify.</p>