The federal bribery trial of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White Sr. opened Sept. 16, with prosecutors showing videos they say depict White accepting cash envelopes from businessman Allieu Kamara. Prosecutors allege a written agreement promised White $156,000 to help secure three D.C. contracts; White allegedly received about $35,000 before his arrest. The defense denies a quid pro quo and questions Kamara's credibility; testimony indicates the FBI began investigating in 2023 while probing PPP fraud tied to Kamara.
Bribery Trial Opens for D.C. Councilmember Trayon White Sr.; Prosecutors Show Video of Cash Exchanges
The federal bribery trial of District of Columbia Council Member Trayon White began Tuesday. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI
Sept. 16 — The federal bribery trial of District of Columbia Councilmember Trayon White Sr. opened this week, with prosecutors presenting video they say shows White accepting envelopes of cash from businessman Allieu Kamara during meetings in summer 2024.
Prosecutors played footage Tuesday that they say captures multiple handoffs between Kamara and White, who represents Ward 8. The government alleges a written agreement promised White $156,000 in exchange for helping Kamara secure three D.C. contracts for his nonprofit, Life Deeds; prosecutors say White received about $35,000 before the FBI arrested him after a final meeting.
Defense Argument: In his opening statement, defense attorney Gary Kohlman acknowledged that White accepted money but said there was no crime and no quid pro quo. Kohlman challenged the credibility of the cooperating witness, calling Kamara "corrupt to the bone," and said Kamara had been targeted in an unrelated FBI probe into alleged COVID-19 relief fraud and offered a plea deal.
Prosecution Argument: Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crabb Jr. told jurors the alleged bribery was "memorialized in writing" and quoted a line prosecutors say shows White understood the arrangement:
"Once you get me, if you lock eyes and get your understanding, I get to work."Crabb argued that phrase signaled White's willingness to accept payments in exchange for official action and noted financial pressures prosecutors say White faced, including campaign debt and a real estate purchase.
Investigation Background: FBI Agent Matthew Gano testified that the agency opened its inquiry into White in 2023 after uncovering information tied to Kamara while investigating alleged Paycheck Protection Program fraud. According to testimony, agents confronted Kamara, who then cooperated and arranged recorded meetings with White.
Political Aftermath: White, serving his third term on the D.C. Council, was arrested in 2024 but was re-elected months later. In February 2025 the council voted 12-0 to expel him; he subsequently regained the seat in a special election.
What Prosecutors Must Prove: To secure a bribery conviction, prosecutors must show White intended to use his official position to benefit Kamara. Notably, prosecutors say the contractor ultimately did not receive the sought contract extensions.
The trial is ongoing.
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