The other piece of evidence the defense wants kicked are all of the VECO accounting records. Because some time sheet records have already been stricken as a result of inaccuracies (two VECO employees billed time to the Girdwood home project when they weren't there), the defense argues all of the accounting records are untrustworthy, unreliable business records and should not be allowed as evidence the jury may consider.
Throughout the case, the defense has tried to distance the senator from the work on his Girdwood home and the bills paid to achieve it. Sen. Stevens' attorneys have suggested Mrs. Stevens was in control of the home's finances and an account established specifically to fund the rennovation work.
The defense told the court through a written notice that they also plan to call contractor Augie Paone and Girdwood restauranteur Bob Persons.
Paone performed carpentry work at the home. Earlier in the trial it was revealed that the Stevens' paid all but one bill Paone sent, and that the final bill was paid for by Allen, the government's star witness.
Persons was a mutual friend of the senator and Allen. He acted as the eyes and ears for the Stevens on the upgrade project. On the ground in Girdwood full-time, Persons checked on the home frequently while Stevens and his wife were away living in Washington.
The FBI intercepted a phone call between Allen and Persons that became evidence in the government's case. In the call, the men talk about how to cover up a plumbing invoice that billed Stevens for materials, but which also showed Allen paid the labor costs.
Allen and Persons go on to suggest that not only should the bill be made to "go away," but that Stevens should also write a check for the labor costs as one more way to cover their tracks. Persons told Allen he wouldn't have to cash the check, but he only needed to keep a copy of it on-hand to show anyone who might question how the bill was paid.
The men end the conversation laughing at the idea of fooling people who might launch inquiries.
The court took Monday off in honor of Columbus Day. The trial resumes Tuesday.
Contact Jill Burke at jburke@ktuu.com
