COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Jurors are expected to begin deliberating the fate of a former South Carolina State University trustee charged with corruption.
U.S. District Judge David Norton told the jury in Jonathan Pinson’s racketeering case that he would give them their instructions Monday and let them start deliberating.
Testimony in Pinson’s two-week trial ended Thursday. Closing statements were Friday, with prosecutors saying Pinson took money by using his position with the university and skimming money from a low-income Columbia housing project and a Marion County diaper plant.
Pinson’s attorneys say he never benefited from any of the deals. They also said several co-defendants exaggerated Pinson’s role to authorities to avoid prison time.
The same jury also will consider charges against Pinson’s college friend and business partner Eric Robinson.
