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Abraham Giles Case Goes to Trial

By Jenna Carlesso

November 03, 2010

Former state Rep. Abraham Giles, charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny by extortion and conspiracy to commit larceny by extortion in the investigation that ensnared former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, will take his chances at a trial.

His lawyer, John Kelly, told Judge David P. Gold on Wednesday that Giles has opted for a jury trial.

Jury selection will begin on Jan. 3, 2011 at Superior Court in Hartford. Evidence will begin immediately upon completion of jury selection, Gold said.

Judge Julia D. Dewey, who sentenced Perez to three years in prison in September for charges including bribery and extortion, will preside over the trial.

Prosecutors say that in 2007, Perez attempted to extort money from a private developer for Giles' benefit, and that in return Giles would secure votes for Perez, who was running for re-election.

The state says Perez exploited Giles' influence in the 5th District, steering lucrative no-bid parking lot deals and other business arrangements to Giles in exchange for his vow to deliver votes and assure Perez the endorsement of the Democratic town committee. The 5th District was torn between Perez and candidates Minnie Gonzalez, Frank Barrows and I. Charles Mathews.

A jury convicted Perez of five felony corruption charges in June. He was sentenced to three years in prison, but is free on bond pending his appeal.