McGuiness

Next in McGuiness saga: Sentencing

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A sentencing date has been set in the case of state Auditor Kathy McGuiness.  In July, McGuiness was found guilty on charges of conflict of interest, official misconduct, and structuring to avoid compliance with procurement law. The structuring charge was later dismissed by the judge. She will be sentenced on the conflict of interest and official misconduct charges Wednesday, Oct. …

STATE AUDITOR KATHLEEN MCGUINESS (LEFT) AND HER ATTORNEY, STEVE WOOD, ENTER THE KENT COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN DOVER ON JUNE 24, 2022. (CHARLIE MEGGINSON/DELAWARE LIVE)

McGuiness defense rests, closing arguments Thursday

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Testimony concluded Wednesday afternoon in the criminal corruption trial of State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness.  Now that both sides have rested, the jury will hear closing statements and the judge’s instructions Thursday, then begin deliberations. McGuiness is charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors alleging conflict of interest, theft, non-compliance with procurement law, official misconduct and witness intimidation. She’s accused of arranging …

McGuiness

Prosecution rests in auditor trial, defense to wrap up soon

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The State of Delaware rested its case against State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness Tuesday after eight and a half days of testimony. McGuiness’ defense team began presenting its case and hopes to wrap it up by Wednesday afternoon.  Defense attorney Steve Wood asked Superior Court Judge William Carpenter to issue a judgment of acquittal on each of the five charges against …

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Key witness against McGuiness admits he lied to grand jury

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

State auditor Kathleen McGuiness’ former chief of staff took the stand Thursday to discuss his participation in the investigation that led to McGuiness’ indictment. Instead, he spent most of his time detailing a relationship he had with a subordinate staffer. Thomas Van Horn said during Day 6 of the criminal corruption trial that he was shocked when he was forced …

Kathy McGuiness

Current, former employees testify in McGuiness trial

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The trial of State Auditor Kathy McGuiness kicked off Tuesday with testimony from one current and one former employee. Both employees worked as auditors under former State Auditor Tom Wagner’s tenure, prior to McGuiness’ election.  After McGuiness took over, staff meetings began with employees being asked to recite the office motto, “confidentiality,” they said. Prosecutors hope to establish that McGuiness …

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McGuiness trial day 3 features daughter’s friend, accounting director

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Prosecutors continued calling witnesses during the third day of the trial against State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness.  First to take the stand was Virginia Bateman, a friend of McGuiness’ daughter, both of whom were employed by the Office of the Auditor as casual seasonal employees in 2020. Much of Bateman’s testimony surrounded a recorded tape of a June 2021 phone conversation …

Kathy McGuiness Trial

After months of waiting, McGuiness trial off to a slow start

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

State prosecutors called on three witnesses Wednesday to detail Auditor Kathy McGuiness’ alleged habit of surveilling employees’ emails, as well as the lack of emails sent to and by her daughter who worked in the office, and the way a consulting group was paid. McGuiness is charged with two felonies and multiple misdemeanors alleging conflict of interest, felony theft, non-compliance …

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Prosecutors continue calling witnesses in McGuiness trial

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Prosecutors continued to call witnesses Wednesday on day two of testimony in the trial of State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness. The jury entered the courtroom more than an hour behind schedule because of technological difficulties. RELATED: Trial of Auditor Kathy McGuiness begins in Dover McGuiness sat quietly at the defense table while employees from the Department of Technology and Information detailed …

Kathy McGuiness

Trial of Auditor Kathy McGuiness begins in Dover

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The trial of State Auditor Kathy McGuiness began Tuesday in Dover with both sides delivering fiery opening statements before recessing for lunch. With the jury seated, prosecutors laid out their case against the statewide-elected Democrat, arguing she is guilty of facilitating waste, fraud and abuse despite being the elected official designated to fight against those things. But high-powered defense attorney …

McGuiness lawsuit

State auditor sued by former employee, political opponent

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness is being sued by a former employee and political opponent who alleges she was wrongfully terminated. The lawsuit was filed on the same day McGuiness was set to face trial on a slew of corruption charges in Wilmington. Her trial was ultimately relocated to Kent County where it will begin Tuesday.  Kathleen Davies, a career auditor …