Prosecutors expected to quiz witnesses about Edwards’ finances

Natalie Gott

Sunday, Feb. 27, 2000 | 11:51 a.m.

BATON ROUGE, La. - Federal prosecutors will discuss Edwin Edwards' finances when the former governor's federal racketeering trial resumes Monday.

Testimony is expected to revolve around the large sums of cash that Edwards allegedly used to pay for expensive items - including jewelry and part of his house.

Edwards, his son, Stephen, state gambling board member Ecotry Fuller and four others are being tried on charges they manipulated Louisiana's riverboat gaming licensing process to get large kickbacks.

The former governor appointed the now-defunct Riverboat Gaming Commission, which granted preliminary approval for casino licenses, as well as the head of state police, the agency that granted final license approval.

In opening statements in the eight-week long trial, prosecutors said they would prove that Edwin and Stephen Edwards spent more money in cash than they reported in income in 1994 through 1996.

Prosecutors are expected to question contractors and others who were paid in cash by Edwin and Stephen Edwards, including Edwin Edwards' daughter, Anna. Other family members may also be called to testify.

This aspect of the case follows damaging testimony from a longtime friend of the Edwards' family.

Former casino consultant Ricky Shetler testified for three days last week that he funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, cars and home furnishings to Edwin and Stephen Edwards. Ledgers, bank statements, invoices and conversations secretly recorded by the FBI backed up Shetler's testimony.

Later this week, prosecutors are expected to outline a fourth alleged casino payoff scheme, which charges Stephen Edwards and defendant Bobby Johnson with extortion from the owners of the Belle of Baton Rouge casino.