Testimony Ends in Pinson Corruption Trial

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Testimony in the Jonathan Pinson corruption trial ended Thursday. Pinson, a former SC State University Trustee, is accused of racketeering and fraud. Prosecutors claim he tried to get the university to purchase land, known as the “Sportsman Retreat,” from Florida developer Richard Zahn. In exchange Pinson was supposed to get a Porche, according to prosecutors. Thursday morning, the prosecution rested their case. The defense also rested – without calling a witness. The move means Pinson and co-defendant Eric Robinson will not testify in this trial. In court Thursday, there was a lot of discussion over whether Pinson, was in fact, a public official at the time of the alleged illegal activity. The defense also asked to have many counts against Pinson and Robinson dropped. The judge dismissed two counts. Those counts involved alleged dealings with a Dekalb County Commissioner. Before the trial started two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering and one count of lying to investigators were dropped. Closing arguments are set to start Friday morning followed by jury deliberations. Stay with ABC Columbia News for the very latest on this story.