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Corrupt-cop case goes to jury
©Associated Press
October 31, 2002
JACKSONVILLE -- A federal court jury Wednesday began debating whether a rogue police officer violated the civil rights of a businessman who was kidnapped, robbed of $51,000 and killed.
A seven-woman, five-man panel deliberated the case of Karl Waldon for about six hours before recessing for the night.
Waldon could be sentenced to death if convicted in the July 3, 1998, slaying of Sami Safar, who was kidnapped and killed after he left a bank with $51,000 to cash payroll checks for customers of his four convenience stores.
In closing arguments Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Klindt asked the jury to convict Waldon on 15 total counts, including charges that he stole drugs from dealers and sold them.
Defense attorney A. Russell Smith argued in closing that Waldon, 39, was the victim of lies.
"The government's case is based on the testimony of cooperating criminals who lied over and over and over again. Every single one of them testified differently or told a different story," Smith said.
Klindt detailed testimony from witnesses, including other corrupt police officers, that he said tied Waldon to the crimes.
He quoted witnesses who said Waldon determined that he had to kill Safar: "He's seen my face. We've got to take him out."
"Karl Waldon ends up on top of Safar with a rope around his neck," Klindt said.
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