Jury selected in corruption trial of Philadelphia councilman and wife

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The jury has been selected in the federal corruption trial of Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and his wife, political consultant Dawn Chavous.

Opening statements are set to begin on Thursday morning.

Charges were announced against the couple back in 2020, alleging a wide-ranging racketeering conspiracy and related crimes, including bribery, honest services fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud and tax offenses.

Federal prosecutors said the couple was offered $66,000 in bribes disguised as consulting work for Chavous.

SEE ALSO: Philadelphia Councilman Kenyatta Johnson maintains innocence in federal corruption case

Officials announced federal corruption charges against Philadelphia Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, but Johnson says he is innocent.

Also named in a 22-count indictment were Universal Community Homes chief executive officer and board president Abdur Rahim Islam and secretary of Universal's board Shahied Dawan.

Prosecutors said the bribes allowed the nonprofit executives to retain control of properties within Johnson's South Philadelphia council district.

Authorities said the crime was a "pay to play" scheme and that the consulting agreement was a "sham."

Both Johnson and Chavous maintain their innocence. They each face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.