Crime | William Jefferson My Client's Corrupt, But Who Isn't? All pols have bribes in the freezer, Jefferson's lawyer contends By Kevin Spak Posted Jul 30, 2009 8:50 AM CDT Copied Former Democratic Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, center, exits court with his wife Andrea and one of his daughters, Jamila, in Alexandria, Va., July 29, 2009 after closing arguments. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Former Rep. William Jefferson’s lawyer tried a novel defense tactic in his closing arguments yesterday: putting all of the political class on trial. Sure, his client had stashed bribe money in his freezer—but hasn’t everyone, metaphorically speaking? “We all occupy the gray area,” said attorney Robert Trout. “We’re all going to make mistakes.” He acted as if trying to bribe the vice president of Nigeria “was tantamount to exceeding the speed limit,” writes Dana Milbank of the Washington Post. Trout then showed a helpful chart. On one side he’d written “CRIME.” On the other the words “recklessness, negligence, and mistakes,” sat above a picture of a man shrugging. Sure Jefferson had tried to persuade foreign governments to back his family’s businesses, but that’s “something to be expected of our members of Congress.” Heck, Jefferson never even proposed earmarks or corrupt legislation. Finally, voice trembling, he implored the jury to acquit because “democracy is you.” Read These Next It's a survival story fit for a sea shanty. Democrats get good news in their 2026 Senate quest. Off-roading crash claims life of influencer couple Dee from the show What's Happening!! is dead at 60. Report an error