Edmund Ford’s Trial Begins 5/12/2008

Former Memphis City Councilman Edmund Ford goes on trial May 12 on a charge he took $1900 in an undercover FBI sting. Ford allegedly took the money for his vote on a billboard proposal before the council. Ford and fellow then council member Rickey Peete were indicted in Operation Street Sweeper in December 2006 after federal authorities caught both men on videotape. Peete pleaded guilty and is now serving time ia federal prison. Another former city council member, Joe Cooper, helped the FBI and is said to be a witness against Ford. If found guilty, Ford faces 20 or less years in prison.