Federal Corruption Trial Begins for Former Conn. Gov.

John Rowland was charged with conspiracy, falsifying records in a federal investigation and creating secret consulting roles in two congressional campaigns

The trial begins Wednesday for former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland in a federal case alleging his involvement in illegal campaign activities.

Rowland was charged with conspiracy, falsifying records in a federal investigation and creating secret consulting roles in two congressional campaigns. He is accused of taking unreported payments to advise Lisa Wilson Foley's Fifth District Congressional campaign and offering to do the same for another candidate.

He is facing up to 57 years in prison if convicted.

A few days ago, federal prosecutors said the government mistakenly provided Rowland's defense team with privileged attorney-client communications. Those communications were seized from email accounts belonging to witness, Brian Foley, Wilson Foley's husband, prosecutors said. But now the government has reportedly moved to block Rowland's lawyers from using any of the emails.

In May, Rowland moved for dismissal of his indictment and his lawyers filed a motion with Connecticut's U.S. District Court, contesting seven counts against him, arguing that there was no proof of unlawful conduct and that some of the charges were unconstitutional.

The federal corruption trial will take place in New Haven's federal courthouse.

Ten years ago, Rowland was forced to resign from the his post as governor after pleading guilty to another corruption scandal in 2004. He spent 10 months in prison in that case.

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