Seth Williams enters Day 3 of trial with bible

Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Day 3 of Seth Williams' trial
Day 3 of Seth Williams' trial. Vernon Odom reports during Action News at 4 p.m. on June 21, 2017.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As he entered the courthouse Wednesday morning for day three of his corruption trial, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams was carrying a bible.

He had this response for an admirer: "Keep me in your prayers."

Williams is accused of taking bribes worth tens of thousands of dollars in exchange for legal favors.

Kathleen DeFriece, the account executive for the six nursing homes operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, finished her testimony Wednesday. She testified she spent months going after Williams trying to collect a more than a $20,000 balance owed to the nursing home and was supposed to go towards the nursing home care of his ailing mother.

DeFriece said they were never able to collect.

The prosecution contends all that money, made up of pensions and donations was ripped off by Williams to pay his mortgage and for gifts for his daughter.

The defense blames the accounts payable office for mishandling the account.

Sylvia Randolph was next to take the stand. She testified her husband wrote Williams a $10,000 check that was supposed to go directly towards the account of his ailing mother at the St. Francis Nursing Home. The money, the prosecution says, went in Williams' pocket instead.

Williams has denied any wrongdoing. He is in his second term and decided not to run in this year's district attorney election.

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