Phoenix Judge Says No to Separate Trials for Mecham, Brother
A judge today refused to allow former Gov. Evan Mecham and his brother to be tried separately on charges of concealing a $350,000 campaign loan.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied the request by Willard Mecham’s lawyer, Joe Kielp, as the defense prepared to open its case.
Kielp contended that the prosecution had not proved a conspiracy existed between the former governor and his brother, who served as his 1986 campaign manager.
Mecham and his brother are charged with concealing the loan on financial reports required by the state.
The prosecution completed its case Tuesday as the former Republican governor told reporters he is confident of acquittal. “If they can convict anybody on that little evidence, why, we’re living in the wrong country,” he said.
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