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Day 2 of testimony in Corrine Brown trial begins in Jacksonville

By Brittney Donovan and Action News Jax
By Brittney Donovan and Action News Jax

Day two of testimony in the federal fraud trial against former Rep. Corrine Brown is underway in Jacksonville.

The prosecution called its first two witnesses after opening statements, a donor to One Door for Education and an FBI Special Agent, on day one of the trial.

‘Lying, cheating and stealing:' Corrine Brown's trial begins in Jacksonville

The first witness was Jacksonville real estate developer John Picerne, who donated $10,000 to One Door for Education.

Picerne testified that Brown asked him to donate.

He said his donation was based on his trust and relationship with Brown.

FBI Special Agent Vanessa Stelly, who is assigned to the agency’s white collar crime squad, testified that One Door for Education was never registered in any state to solicit or receive donations.

Her testimony continued Thursday. She said One Door for Education spent $330,000 on nine of Brown's events from 2012 to 2015.

One event included a $750 birthday cake for her daughter and a $10 "Queen Corrine" drink.

Stelly also testified that One Door spent $800 for a two night stay at a Jacksonville hotel that was five miles from Brown's home.

Prosecution repeatedly pointed out for each Brown event One Door paid for had no needy students in attendance, and no scholarships were given out.

She said emails between Brown's daughter Shantrel Brown and Ronnie Simmons repeatedly show Brown approved catering and bands for events.

Cox Media Group

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