HUD rep testifies in corruption trial

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Thursday, an FBI special agent was among the witnesses called to testify in the Bayou La Batre corruption trial.

Agent George Carr testified 30 boxes and bags, along with four computer towers, were taken from Janey Galbraith's office in Bayou La Batre.

Documents taken from that office were at the center of testimony.

The question: were they altered? 

Day four of testimony in the Bayou La Batre corruption trial picked up with a HUD director on the stand.

Scott Davis testified about the purpose of an audit.

"To essentially make sure all funds are being issued in compliance with rules and regulations," Davis said.

He was also questioned whether white out on documents is common place.

Prosecutors allege Galbraith altered federal documents to allow people who weren't eligible for federal housing money to get it.

The defense said documents were not changed to cheat the system, but to clarify answers lost in translation since at least one of the applicants did not speak English.

Defense Attorney Vince Kilborn also questioned how much time Davis actually spent in the Bayou.

"The guy from HUD, Mr. Davis, didn't really remember anything as it turns out. I asked him what he was doing down here, and he said, ‘I manage $30 billion worth of stuff. I just did a drive by.’ We deserve more than a drive by," said Kilborn.

Former Galbraith employee Debra Jones testified she raised concerns about ineligible people qualifying for the federal housing program.

Jones told jurors several people were annexed into Bayou La Batre after Hurricane Katrina hit and were approved.

U.S. Assistant District Attorney Maria Murphy asked Jones exactly what that meant.

"Well, we worked it out. These folks got homes," Jones said.

Prosecutors passed around what they claim was an altered document to jurors, who seem to inspect it carefully holding it up to the light, and turning it over.

It was a much more alert jury than days before when U.S. District Judge Kristi Dubose told everyone to stay awake and pay attention to the trial.  

Kilborn raised questions about who had access to the documents once they were seized by the FBI.

Special Agent Carr testified the documents have been in the careful custody and control of the FBI since being seized by the FBI.

Carr also testified anyone who goes through the documents does so in the presence of a FBI agent.

The FBI raided Galbraith's Bayou La Batre office in August 2011.

Jurors also heard audio of a city council meeting where members agreed to buy land owned by Mayor Stan Wright's daughter Mary Cook.

Although the tape is inaudible at times, San Wright can clearly be heard saying, “My daughter owns a piece of that property. I deeded that to my daughter Mary."

Cook's attorney maintains his client knew nothing about any of this and was only accepting help from her father when she desperately needed it.

Former City Councilwoman Debra Downey was called to the stand during this portion.

Downey was present at the meeting when the land was purchased. She declined to comment afterwards.