In case you missed this steamy tale from the corruption trial of CM Larry Seabrook as told by the NY Post, I reprinted it below. Earlier in the trial, the NY Post also made light of the accusation that Seabrook’s NE Bronx Democratic Club reimbursed him for sex books he bought. This would be entertaining and funny, if the charges weren’t so serious. Soon, we’ll see who has the last laugh.
Witness down & flirty
Last Updated:7:47 AM, November 24, 2011
Posted:12:45 AM, November 24, 2011
Order in the court!
A witness shamelessly flirted with one of City Councilman Larry Seabrook’s defense lawyers yesterday during a courtroom exchange that gave new meaning to the term “heated cross-examination.”
The shocking back-and-forth came near the tail end of curvaceous Brandi Johnson’s testimony against the Bronx Democrat, after lawyer Anthony Ricco told her, “This time, I really only have a few questions left.”
“Take your time — I like it nice and slow, too,” replied Johnson, who had overseen a Seabrook nonprofit group’s compliance with a $350,000, city-funded contract to boost minority employment.
Ricco — who had previously chided Johnson for interrupting him, saying he was “old school” and wanted her answers one at a time — became visibly flustered, telling the judge, “One second.”
The married father of two then turned around and began wiping his glasses while struggling to keep his composure.
Moments later, the tall, handsome Ricco turned back to the podium but kept his head down as co-counsel Edward Wilford handed over a paper cup of tea from which Ricco took a sip.
Several jurors smiled, with one woman covering her eyes in mock embarrassment.
After two final, quick questions, Ricco said, “Thank you very much for your testimony,” and Johnson, clad in a form-fitting, black and white skirt suit, sashayed out of the courtroom.
During a subsequent break in the Manhattan federal court proceedings, both Wilford and Seabrook — who is charged with a corruption scheme involving council “slush” funds — appeared to tease Ricco about Johnson’s playful performance.
Outside court, Ricco said his intent with Johnson was merely to make her “comfortable” enough to tell the truth, noting that “cross-examination is stylistic.”
“Some people cross-examine a thug one way,” he said.
“Some people cross-examine an uptown girl another way.”
