PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — The defendants in the Lynn Haven corruption case are once again arguing that they are victims of corrupt investigators, negligent and vindictive prosecutors, and a criminal mastermind who set them up because they exposed his corruption.

James Finch, the owner of Phoenix Construction, and Margo Anderson, the city’s former mayor, are charged together with conspiracy to commit bribery. Finch is also charged separately with two other counts of bribery and giving a false statement to the FBI. Anderson faces a separate bribery charge.

So far, the defense has been successful in getting Judge Mark Walker to throw out a variety of charges forcing prosecutors to seek several indictments over the past two years.

In their most recent motion, the defendants again argue that prosecutors have illegally withheld information and evidence that should have been turned over to the defense to prepare for trial.

They also describe the prosecution as vindictive. Some of their examples include;

1. The FBI’s unhinged post-indictment call to Finch (despite his being
   represented by counsel) expressing extreme anger due to the government’s
   not having the opportunity to publicly arrest Finch in Lynn Haven in front of
   his family.
2. The illegal use of a media group to orchestrate the announcement of these arrests, including posting on social media.
3. The government’s repeated allegations that Finch is uncontrollable and should not be trusted to receive, review, or possess important...

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