MORNING UPDATE
The federal government today withdrew count 14 against Bishop Anthony Jinwright, which alleged that he lied to an IRS agent during the government’s investigation.
Prosecutors told Judge Frank Whitney that the government had not presented evidence in court to support the charge.
Jinwright, senior pastor of Greater Salem City of God, still faces more than a dozen counts alleging fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion. His wife, co-pastor Harriet Jinwright, also faces charges of fraud and tax evasion.
Lawyers for the couple, who were charged separately, moved to have all charges drop. Whitney denied the motion, saying the government had presented sufficient evidence to present the case to the jury.
Defense lawyers are expected to begin calling witnesses for the Jinwrights before lunch.
After sparse attendance during much of the first 13 days of testimony, Whitney’s courtroom this morning was packed.
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