Dec. 16--SPRINGFIELD -- The defense team rolled out its closing arguments Tuesday in a state grant scam trial of a Chicago couple, saying their bookkeeper was responsible for theft of funds.
The argument by attorney Ed Genson came in the federal trial of Leon and Karin Dingle, who have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering.
The Dingles are accused of converting more than $3 million in grant funds set aside to help minority communities battle AIDS, flu and cancer into payments for luxury cars, yacht club expenses and getaway homes in Savannah, Ga., and Hilton Head, S.C.
But Genson told the federal jury that the crimes in the case were committed by Jackie Kilpatrick, the bookkeeper for the Dingles' for-profit business that controlled grant money for several nonprofits.
Kilpatrick, a co-defendant in the case, has pleaded guilty. Genson maintained there is no reason to believe what she is saying about the Dingles.
"Leon did not know she was stealing," Genson said. "He trusted her."
Calling Kilpatrick's moves "audacious," Genson implored jurors, "You cannot believe a word she is saying."
Prosecutors gave their closing arguments Monday.
The case is expected to go to the jury as early as Tuesday.
rlong@tribpub.com
