Day four of the State Auditor’s corruption trial saw the judge dismiss testimony from one witness and restrict two others.
Kathy McGuiness’ lawyer Steve Wood sought to dismiss testimony from 3 of the state’s witnesses - all former employees in the auditor’s office. He said it was “obvious” to him the purpose of calling them was to portray McGuiness as a bad person, and hope the jury convicts her for those reasons.
Prosecutors argued Bailey Brooks, an employee from August 2019 to March 2020, was there during the time in which McGuiness allegedly committed some of her crimes, but Judge William Carpenter agreed to dismiss her as a witness.
Carpenter also limited Auditor Dan Hamilton’s testimony to witness intimidation, and to not discuss a so-called “self-conducted investigation” into McGuiness.
Hamilton was reprimanded earlier this year for comments he made that were deemed inappropriate. including criticism of Chief of Staff Alaina Sewell’s attire and discussing the upcoming trial, while accusing the front office of being “shady” and covering up information for trial.
Melissa Schenck, an employee since 2016, testified her request to work from home during the pandemic, via her doctor’s recommendation, was only partially accepted, and rescinded after Schenck was seen eating with other employees. Schenck said she now only has to report to the office in person on Thursdays.
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