Overview
- A jury was sworn Monday and opening statements are scheduled to begin after prosecutors say they will present a roughly five‑day case.
- Prosecutors allege FBI recordings show Allieu Kamara, working as a confidential informant, handed White $35,000 in cash during 2024 meetings.
- White’s defense accepts that he took the cash but will argue those payments did not meet the legal definition of a bribe under the Supreme Court’s McDonnell ruling and may assert entrapment.
- If convicted White faces up to 15 years in prison and would immediately lose his Ward 8 council seat, which would trigger a special election.
- The trial will turn on whether prosecutors can prove an unlawful quid pro quo—official action in exchange for money—rather than ordinary requests for help with contract status or a government setup by the informant.