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After a tumultuous retrial, days of deliberation, and a juror getting dismissed, the acquittal means the end of years of legal matters against Johnson.
The verdict followed roughly three weeks of testimony in the federal trial. Johnson’s political future was at stake. Prosecutors say they will retry the case.
The panel has deliberated for roughly 12 hours. It will resume discussions on Monday following a break for the holidays.
Prosecutors say Dawn Chavous’ consulting firm was used to conceal payments to her husband. And that she did little work for the nonprofit.
The federal case against Johnson hinges on a claim that bribe money was funneled through his wife, who collected fees from the co-defendants.