Five Charged in Attempt to Bribe Juror in Major COVID-19 Fraud Trial

Defendants allegedly offered $120,000 to sway verdict in federal case involving $250 million pandemic relief fraud.

The bribery attempt targeted a young juror believed to be the only person of color on the panel.
Defendants tracked the juror's movements and delivered the cash in a gift bag to her home.
The juror immediately reported the bribe, leading to her dismissal and a federal investigation.
Prosecutors described the scheme as an elaborate attack on the justice system.
The trial involved the theft of federal funds intended for a child nutrition program during the pandemic.