Mose Jefferson facts for kids

Mose Oliver Jefferson (born August 28, 1942 – died May 12, 2011) was part of a well-known family from New Orleans. His younger brother, William J. Jefferson, was a U.S. Representative. Mose Jefferson faced legal challenges and was found guilty of several serious charges in 2009.

Early Life and Career

Mose Jefferson was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana. He later moved to Chicago, Illinois, with his older sister Betty Jefferson. He attended Marshall High School but left early to join the U.S. Air Force in 1959.

After leaving the Air Force, he had some early legal trouble. Later, he became involved in politics, working with the Democratic Party organization led by Robert Shaw and his brother William Shaw. William Shaw served in the Illinois Senate for many years.

Legal Challenges

Mose Jefferson faced serious legal challenges related to his political connections. These issues involved accusations of improper payments and misusing money.

Accusations of Improper Payments

Mose Jefferson was accused of giving money to Orleans Parish School Board president Ellenese Brooks-Simms. Prosecutors said this money was given so she would support a special teaching system that Mose Jefferson was selling. Brooks-Simms later worked with investigators and testified against him.

The accusations suggested that this software deal was part of a bigger plan. It was claimed that Brooks-Simms helped steer many sales toward a company that paid Mose Jefferson large amounts of money.

Other Serious Charges

Mose Jefferson also faced other serious charges. These charges involved him and Renée Gill Pratt, who was a former state senator and a member of the New Orleans City Council. The accusations claimed that Gill Pratt helped Mose Jefferson get government money for good causes. However, it was alleged that the Jefferson family then used some of this money for their own personal use instead of for the intended humanitarian projects. His sister, Betty Jefferson, and her daughter, Angela Coleman, were also involved in these accusations.

Court Proceedings

Mose Jefferson's legal cases involved many court hearings and discussions. His lawyers tried to delay the trials and argued that the accusations were politically motivated. They also discussed whether he could afford his legal fees.

One of his lawyers, Arthur "Buddy" Lemann, argued that the case was "a political prosecution." However, the U.S. Attorney, Jim Letten, disagreed with these claims.

Bribery Trial

The trial for the bribery charges began on August 10, 2009. Mose Jefferson's lawyer, Mike Fawer, tried to move the trial out of New Orleans, arguing that news coverage of his brother's case had made it unfair. However, the judge denied this request.

During the trial, Mose Jefferson testified under oath. He said that the money he gave to Ellenese Brooks-Simms was a gift, not a payment for her support. He claimed they had a personal relationship that started many years before. Brooks-Simms, however, testified that they first met much later.

The jury heard different sides of the story. On August 21, 2009, the jury announced their decision. Mose Jefferson was found guilty on four of the seven charges against him. These included two counts of bribery and two counts of obstruction of justice (trying to block justice). He was found not guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, another bribery count, and money laundering.

His sentencing was set for December 9, 2009, and he remained free on bond until then.

Later Life

Mose Jefferson's trial for the racketeering charges began on March 22, 2010. He passed away from cancer in 2011 in Lake Providence.