News 8
Key figure will testify against Hill in corruption trial 
01:02 PM CDT on Monday, June 29, 2009
>Opening statements are under way in the Dallas City Hall corruption trial.
At the center of it all is former Dallas Mayor Pro-Tem Don Hill. Just within the last hour, there have been some major developments.
We have learned that an essential figure in this case, Brian Potashnik, will testify against Hill.
When asked on Monday how he felt, Hill said, "I feel great. I've got the two best lawyers in the world right here."
The former councilman seemed optimistic, as he entered the federal courtroom this morning, despite this latest development.
Potashnik is a developer accused of giving bribes to Hill.
He was also a defendant but his no show in court last week signaled he had flipped and accepted a plea deal in this case.
If that is true, it will certainly be a major blow to the defense.
Inside, US attorneys have just finished laying out their case for one of the largest public corruption trials in Dallas' history.
Prosecutors showed photos, played snippets of video to the jury, showing Hill's associates allegedly asking and taking bribes from developers, in return for getting the all clear to build low-income housing projects in Dallas.
That is a tease to the massive pile of evidence attorneys have piled up in this case.
There are 30,000 audio recordings alone.
Prosecutors say Hill accepted tens of thousands of dollars in the form of birthday gifts, consulting fees, and through sham companies that his mistress at the time, and now his wife, and associates set up.
In essence, US attorneys allege Hill threatened to block developers' efforts, unless they gave him money.
Through this very lengthy investigation, Hill has maintained his innocence, saying the federal investigation is simply part of a racial vendetta against him.
Hill's defense team is expected to lay out their case in opening statements. Evidence should be presented as early as Tuesday.
E-mail jbetz@wfaa.com.
