After a failed attempt to get a delay, the trial for former Birmingham City Council member and Jefferson County Commissioner John Katopodis is set to start today.
Katopodis is accused of mis-using $250,000 intended for a Computers for Kids charity. The government contends he used the money for personal gain.
Back in 2000 Katopodis, now Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford and Healthsouth Founder Richard Scrushy created a charity to refurbish computers for underprivileged children. The 98-count indictment again Katopodis claims he spent much of the charities money on himself.
Prosecutors say he spent more than $15,000 in or around casinos, nearly $40,000 to pay off personal credit cards, and more than $9,000 for trips to places like Egypt and the Bahamas.
His trial is expected to last two weeks.
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