WASHINGTON, D.C. — The defense rested in the federal bribery trial of Ward 8 D.C. Council member Trayon White on a Friday. White has pleaded not guilty to a single federal bribery charge.

Defense attorney Bruce Searby described the case as a "hot mess" assembled in "incredible haste." Opening statements in the trial began on a Tuesday. Prosecutors allege White accepted $35,000 in cash from Allieu Kamara in exchange for helping Kamara-connected companies with D.C. government contracts.

Prosecutors replayed video showing White accepting $15,000 in cash from Kamara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Ross argued that White ""did not have to do an official act." for prosecutors to satisfy the legal requirements of the charge. In a recorded conversation, White asked Kamara, "What do you need me to do?.""

An IRS investigator testified that by August 2024, White’s checking account had a negative balance and he had $9 in savings. IRS investigator Siona Slepoy testified she found no record of past cash campaign contributions from Kamara to White in White’s campaign finance filings. Kwelli Sneed testified that White requested a meeting with her without providing an agenda.

Sneed testified that White asked her about Life Deeds, an organization connected to Kamara that did not operate in Ward 8. Sneed testified that White never asked her to steer, retain, or extend contracts. Former D.C. grants supervisor Anwar Walker testified that White asked him about a grant involving Life Deeds but never attempted to persuade him to take action. Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah testified that White never contacted her about Life Deeds. Former D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine testified he had no recollection of instructing White to leave Life Deeds alone. "I have absolutely no recollection," Karl Racine said.

Why It Matters

The trial centers on whether the prosecution can prove an explicit quid pro quo between a public official and a businessperson. The defense argues the evidence is insufficient to show official acts were performed in exchange for payments. Prosecutors rely on recordings and financial records to demonstrate a corrupt agreement.

A conviction would carry penalties for White, including potential imprisonment and loss of his elected office. The case also involves conflicting testimony regarding White's interactions with city officials and his relationship with Kamara. The outcome will determine whether the jury finds the evidence of a bribery scheme sufficient under federal law.

Timeline

Kamara testified that he paid Trayon White two $10,000 cash payments in 2019 to save a contract at risk of termination. FBI Special Agent Matthew Gano testified that Kamara was Trayon White’s brother-in-law at the time of White’s arrest on August 18, 2024. An IRS investigator testified that by August 2024, Trayon White’s checking account had a negative balance and he had $9 in savings. The D.C. Council unanimously voted to expel Trayon White in February 2025. Trayon White won a special election in July 2025 to return to the Ward 8 Council seat.

What's New

Later reporting includes testimony from Kamara that he and White had an agreement for White to receive 3% of D.C. contracts White helped Kamara’s companies secure or keep. Kamara testified he is not related to White.

FBI Special Agent Gano testified that Kamara was White’s brother-in-law at the time of White’s arrest on August 18, 2024. The D.C. Council unanimously voted to expel White in February 2025. White won a special election in July 2025 to return to the Ward 8 Council seat. If convicted, White faces up to 15 years in prison.

How Sources Differ

Regarding allieu kamara interactions with white, Kamara testified that he and Trayon White had an agreement for White to receive 3% of D.C. contracts White helped Kamara’s companies secure or keep. In a recorded conversation, Trayon White asked Kamara, "What do you need me to do?" Regarding allieu kamara allegations against white, Kamara testified that he and Trayon White had an agreement for White to receive 3% of D.C. contracts White helped Kamara’s companies secure or keep. Prosecutors allege Trayon White accepted $35,000 in cash from Kamara in exchange for helping Kamara-connected companies with D.C. government contracts. Regarding trayon white contract influence claims, Kamara testified that he and Trayon White had an agreement for White to receive 3% of D.C. contracts White helped Kamara’s companies secure or keep. Sneed testified that Trayon White never asked her to steer, retain, or extend contracts. Regarding allieu kamara personal connection to white, Kamara testified that he and Trayon White had an agreement for White to receive 3% of D.C. contracts White helped Kamara’s companies secure or keep. FBI Special Agent Gano testified that Kamara was Trayon White’s brother-in-law at the time of White’s arrest on August 18, 2024. Regarding trayon white involvement with life deeds, Kamara testified that he and Trayon White had an agreement for White to receive 3% of D.C. contracts White helped Kamara’s companies secure or keep. Sneed testified that Trayon White asked her about Life Deeds, an organization connected to Kamara that did not operate in Ward 8.