Suggests fiendish ‘unindicted co-conspirator’
By Katie Campbell | Arizona Capitol Times
Lobbyist Jim Norton’s attorney said Friday federal charges against him hinge on the allegations of an “unindicted co-conspirator,” whose motivations will become “transparent” when the mystery person’s identity is revealed.
In a written statement issued Friday in response to a 17-count federal indictment, Norton said he is innocent of the allegations made following an investigation involving his fellow defendants, former Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce, his wife Sherry Ann Pierce and George Johnson of Johnson Utilities. They each face charges of felony conspiracy, bribery, mail fraud and five counts of wire fraud.
Norton’s attorney, former federal prosecutor Ivan Mathew, said the indictment is simply an allegation at this point.
