San Bernardino Council Member Goes on Trial, FBI Link Revealed
Listen to the story
A trial has begun for a San Bernardino City Council member accused of a misdemeanor.
The trial started with opening arguments, when lawyers give the jury their first explanation of the case.
The prosecution and the defense presented conflicting theories about what actually happened.
The jury will listen to both sides during the trial before making a decision.
A major detail came out during the arguments. The council member had worked as an informant for the FBI.
An informant is someone who secretly gives information to law enforcement about crimes or wrongdoing.
This informant work was connected to a corruption case in the city government.
Corruption means using power dishonestly, often for personal or financial gain.
It is unusual for a sitting council member's secret cooperation with the FBI to become public during their own trial.
The case is being closely watched in San Bernardino because it involves both a local elected official and a federal investigation.
As the trial continues, the jury will hear more evidence from both sides before reaching a final decision.
Vocabulary10 words
- misdemeanor
- a crime that is not very serious
- opening arguments
- the first speeches lawyers give to explain their case
- conflicting theories
- two different explanations of the same event
- jury
- a group of people who decide if someone is guilty
- informant
- someone who secretly gives information to police or investigators
- corruption
- dishonest use of power, often for money
- prosecution
- the side in court trying to prove someone is guilty
- defense
- the side in court trying to prove someone is not guilty
- law enforcement
- police and other groups that make sure people follow the law
- elected official
- a person chosen by voters to hold a government job
Quiz
Answer key
1. Opening arguments 2. The council member had worked as an FBI informant 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A trial has begun for a San Bernardino City Council member accused of a _____.
The trial started with _____, when lawyers give the jury their first explanation.
The prosecution and the defense presented _____ theories about what happened.
The _____ will listen to both sides during the trial.
The council member had worked as an _____ for the FBI.
An informant secretly gives information to _____ about crimes.
This informant work was connected to a _____ case in city government.
Corruption means using power dishonestly, often for _____ gain.
It is unusual for a sitting council member's secret cooperation with the FBI to become public during their own _____.
The jury will hear more evidence before reaching a final _____.