Jury deliberates in Trammell trial

DAYTON (WDTN) - "The buck stops here," said Assistant Montgomery County Prosecutor Ward Barrentine as he pointed to Raleigh Trammell during closing arguments of the two-week long trial.

The former leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is accused of keeping $38,000 of tax-payer money, intended to fund a home-delivered meal program between 2005 and 2010.

"He promised that he would provide two meals a day, every single day, to 10 people," said Barrentine. "We know the reality was that did not happen".

Prosecutors pointed to a list of eight people who were supposed to be receiving meals. One of them passed away and others testified they never signed up or saw food.

"We can't explain that to you," responded Candace Crouse, Trammell's attorney. "What you do know is that meals were cooked, meals were packaged and meals were delivered".

Crouse maintained there was nothing criminal going on at the SCLC.

"Mistakes were made and certainly we don't dispute there was some disorganization, but incompetence or inefficiency is not a crime," added Crouse.

Trammell is charged with theft, forgery, and tampering with records.

Prosecutors said it is clear Trammell took advantage of the public's trust.

"It's time to let him know he cannot shield his actions by religion, and he cannot hide behind the great legacy of Dr. King. It's over," concluded Assistant Montgomery County Prosecutor Daniel Brandt.

The jury took the case shortly before noon on Thursday.