The long-awaited jury trial for state Sen. Lawrence M. Farnese Jr. is scheduled to begin later this month. But first, oral arguments will be held Jan. 18 to determine whether some or all of the charges against him should be dismissed.
Farnese stands accused of buying the vote of Ellen Chapman in 2011 to help secure his election as Democratic leader of the Eighth Ward. The Eighth Ward is a political subdivision, largely in Center City west of Broad. It serves as a conduit to party leadership, and it’s a source of information during campaigns and elections.
In the spring of 2011, Farnese allegedly diverted $6,000 from his campaign fund to help pay the college tuition of Chapman’s daughter. In return, Chapman allegedly agreed to vote for Farnese as Democratic leader of the Eighth Ward.
At the time of the alleged incident, Chapman served as an Eighth Ward committee person.
In November, Farnese handily won re-election as a state senator. He has a strong record of support for LGBT causes, including a statewide LGBT civil-rights law and a new probe of the Nizah Morris case.
But federal prosecutors say he broke several state and federal laws involving bribery, fraud and conspiracy.
Farnese and Chapman deny violating any laws. In court papers, they accuse the federal government of inappropriately intruding into local party politics.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice requested that certain statements allegedly made by Chapman that incriminate Farnese be admitted into evidence during a trial. Farnese’s attorneys want the statements excluded, partly on the basis that they’re hearsay. But if the statements are permitted, Farnese’s attorneys requested a separate trial for him.
Currently, a joint trial for Farnese and Chapman is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23 in Courtroom 12A of the U.S. Court House, 601 Market St, with U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe presiding.
According to a DOJ filing, there’s no excuse for the unlawful activities of Farnese and Chapman, and they should face a criminal trial.
Oral arguments to determine if a trial is necessary are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18 in Courtroom 12A of the U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market St., with Rufe presiding. Chapman and Farnese are expected to appear. The public is permitted to attend.