Nagin corruption case goes to jury

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Former New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin was called "a mayor on the take" Monday by prosecutors in closing arguments at his corruption trial.

The 21-count corruption case against Nagin was sent to jurors after lawyers for both sides concluded closing arguments.

The indictments allege Nagin, mayor when Hurricane Katrina struck his city in 2005, sought and accepted bribes that included cash and free travel. The bribes allegedly increased as the city offered contracts after flooding related to the hurricane.

U.S. District Judge Helen Berrigan read lengthy instructions after which the jurors had lunch and headed for deliberations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Pickens referred to Nagin as "a mayor on the take," accusing him of "using the power and authority of his office to leverage contractors in exchange for bribes and kickbacks, and he deprived the citizens of New Orleans of one thing they were entitled to, an honest politician."

Nagin attorney Robert Jenkins attacked the credibility of certain witnesses who entered plea deals, the (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported.