Closing arguments in corruption case

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - UPDATE 5/30 11 a.m.: Closing arguments are complete and the judge is dismissing the jury to deliberate.

9 a.m.: Closing arguments begin Wednesday in the Bayou La Batre corruption case.

Mary Cook, the daughter of Stan Wright, had her case thrown out for a lack of evidence. Co-defendant Janey Galbraith still faces several counts of defrauding the federal government.

"This is a very simple case about a woman driven by greed who pocketed money meant for natural disaster victims," said a federal prosecutor during closing arguments.

Prosecutors said Galbraith did not treat people fairly in deciding who qualified for housing following Hurricane  Katrina. They also say she altered documents that were sent to HUD and that she conspired with others to put money in the Mayor Stan Wright 's pocket by allowing land owned by the Mayor's daughter to be purchased with federal grant money.

"She had a sweetheart deal in Bayou La Batre she administered all the grants," said prosecutors.

They allege that, as the administrator, Galbraith made millions of dollars off those grants but the defense argues the prosecution has not met its burden of proof.

"A lot of reasonable doubt here and tons of hesitation," said Vince Kilborn, Galbraith's attorney.

Kilborn went on to say, "There is not one piece of evidence that anyone was treated unfair."

Bayou La Batre Mayor Stan Wright still stands accused, but a trial date has not been set for him.

Cook's attorney, Rich Alexander, said he was pleased that U.S. District Court Judge Kristi Dubose threw out his client's case.

The accusations stems from millions of dollars given to Bayou La Batre in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Witnesses have included HUD representatives, a former employee of Janey Galbraith, an FBI special Agent and a former Bayou La Batre city council member.

Closing arguments began at 8:45 a.m. and are still going on now.

FOX10 News will have more on this story beginning at 4 p.m.