Bell, Calif., Corruption Case Goes to Jury

Former officials face sentences of up to 20 years if convicted

The corruption case against six former officials of the scandal-ridden suburban city of Bell was placed in the hands of the jury Friday.

Jurors received the case for deliberations after a Los Angeles County prosecutor concluded his final argument.

Deputy District Attorney Ed Miller urged the panel to not be persuaded by defense arguments that the former officials are good people. He said they may have been people of fine character at one time but they forgot who they were when they illegally took huge salaries.