Allen to show at Kohring corruption trial; may not testify

Published: September 12, 2011 

JUDGE'S ORDER: Credibility of former Veco head damaged.

It looks like disgraced Veco chief executive Bill Allen will be attending former Rep. Vic Kohring's corruption retrial in Fairbanks next month -- whether federal prosecutors call him or not.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline agreed to a request by Kohring's attorneys and ordered the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Marshal and a halfway house in Las Cruces, N.M., to ensure Allen is in Fairbanks for the start of Kohring's trial Oct. 31.

Prosecutors have not yet said whether they plan to call Allen as a government witness.

Allen, who pleaded guilty to federal bribery and tax charges, was the chief witness against Kohring at his first trial in 2007 but Allen's credibility has since been damaged by a series of revelations, including allegations he covered up sexual relationships with underage girls.

Another Beistline ruling Monday went against Kohring's defense when the judge said prosecutors can still use evidence contained in the extortion charge in Kohring's original indictment. The 2007 jury acquitted him of that charge, one of four he faced. While prosecutors agreed that he can't be charged again with extortion -- that would be double jeopardy -- they said they should be allowed to use evidence in that charge to prove the remaining three counts, including bribery, and Beistline agreed.


Reach Richard Mauer at rmauer@adn.com or 257-4345.

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