Federal prosecutors nearly ready to rest their case in Jimmy Dimora's corruption trial

AKRON, Ohio - Federal prosecutors are nearly ready to their case against Jimmy Dimora and Michael Gabor. A federal spokesperson said prosecutors have some technical moves to make before their case is formally rested.

Meanwhile, the jury does not have to report back to the courthouse until Tuesday morning. Monday is a federal holiday, and the judge said Friday will be used for procedural tasks that will require the attorneys, but not the jury.

This is the first extended break the jurors have gotten since the corruption and racketeering trial began with jury selection on January 4.

Several witnesses have testified. Pictures and cleared checks have been shown. Hours of wiretaps have been heard. All of the evidence, prosecutors say, prove Dimora ran a criminal enterprise from his elected office as county commissioner, and his political seat as Democratic party chair in Cuhyahoga County.

Newsnet5.com asked Dimora's attorney, Bill Whitaker, what he would be doing for the rest of the day, since court ended unusually early. Whitaker replied, "We'll be working."

The defense is expected to begin calling witnesses early next week. It's not clear who Dimora's and Gabor's teams may call to the stand.

During opening statements weeks ago, the jury was told the trial could last up to three months. Thursday was one day past six weeks since jury selection began.

The government's three star witnesses were Frank Russo , J. Kevin Kelley and Steve Pumper .

Dimora and Gabor say they are innocent of all federal charges.

Stay with newsnet5.com throughout the trial with a special section devoted to complete coverage.