A federal jury today convicted David Safavian, former chief of staff of the General Services Administration, of four counts of obstructing justice and making false statements. The jury began deliberations late Wednesday and reached a verdict at 11:25 a.m.
This was Safavian's second criminal trial. A panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit threw out many of the government's counts in the first instance, citing the Department of Justice for overreaching. The panel also ruled that the trial judge had erred in allowing prosecutors to use the equivalent of expert witness testimony without granting Safavian the same opportunity.
Safavian remains on bond pending sentencing. A date has not been set.
"We're naturally disappointed by the jury's decision. We look forward to vindication in future proceedings," said Safavian's lawyer, Lawrence Robbins of Robbins, Russell, Englert, Orseck, Untereiner & Sauber.
Check back with the BLT for updates later in the day.
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