Speaking Out
Gary Reaves reports
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DALLAS - It's been four years since the FBI raided Dallas City Hall in a corruption investigation. The big trial starts Monday.
Now, former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill is speaking out in his own defense.
Just four days before his trial, Hill remains upbeat despite the mountain of evidence the FBI said they collected during its raid of City Hall, the thousands of wiretapped phone calls and a search of Hill's car.
Prosecutors claim Hill took bribes from developer Brian Potashnik. In exchange, the FBI said Hill helped him win government tax credits to build low income housing.
"I've said I'm innocent," he said. "I haven't pocketed any money."
Hill claims the investigation, which targeted mainly African American politicians, was political. His supporters cite a recent study that claims President George Bush's Justice Department investigated 298 Democrats but only 67 Republicans.
"We can now look in hindsight and see that local Democratic officials were targeted by the FBI and justice department under our last president, Mr. Bush," Hill said.
Hill refused to discuss many details of the case as he tried not to violate a gag order issued by Judge Barbara Lynn.
"I'm hoping this doesn't violate the gag order," said Hill's lawyer.
But shortly after the News 8 interview, Lynn issued a new order that all defendants stop talking to media. On Monday, Hill will have to explain in court why he should not be held in contempt.
The trial is expected to last at least four months.
