GOLDEN — The defense rested its case gainst former Jefferson County Treasurer Mark Paschall just before lunch today, but not before Paschall took the stand in his own defense.
Paschall was indicted in January 2007 on one count of felony theft and receiving compensation for past official behavior.
A grand jury accused Paschall of offering Kathy Redmond, his political appointee and communications director, a $25,000 bonus and demanding that she pay him half of the $18,000 post-tax proceeds.
Paschall denied that he tried to solicit a kickback when questioned by his attorney, David Lane.
He testified that he may have made some “flippant remarks” to Redmond.
The prosecution may have one rebuttal witness this afternoon, and closing arguments are expected.
Also this morning, Lane told Judge Randall Arp about an e-mail he received from a woman in Breckenridge. The woman told him that Daril Cinquanta, a private investigator who has worked for Jefferson County, rented her condo for a whistleblower named Kathy Redmond.
Lane posited that Redmond did pay for the condo and speculated whether county money was used, which could be perceived as a reward for Redmond for turning in Paschall.
Lane has said the charges against his client are based “on politics and payback” from Commissioner Jim Congrove.
Prosecutor Tom Jackson said he will investigate the information Lane presented.
Yesterday Redmond testified that it was Paschall’s idea to give her a bonus and collect half for himself.
Redmond said she took her concerns to Commissioner Jim Congrove, who told her he stopped the bonus check.
The case was referred to the district attorney’s office, which advised Redmond to tape conversations with Paschall.
Some of that material was played in court yesterday.
The conservative Republican and former state legislator sought a second 4-year term as treasurer in 2006 but lost in the primary to former county clerk Faye Griffin.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
