INMATE TESTIFIES IN BRIBERY TRIAL

MIAMI, Jan. 16 (UPI) - A man serving a prison sentence for drug smuggling
says a defendant in a jury bribery trial received a half- million dollars
not for swaying a jury but for a drug deal.

Ramon de Jesus Perez says the money was paid to Miguel Moya for transporting
illegal cash and storing cocaine in the 1980s.

Moya was the jury foreman in the trial of Sal Magluta and Willie Falcon in
which the two were acquitted of a variety of drug charges. The verdict
indirectly cost the U.S. Attorney his job.

Authorities say immediately after the verdict, Moya went on a lavish
spending spree.

But Perez says that was the result of drug money, not bribery. But Perez
also damaged his own credibility by admitting he has lied to federal agents
a number of times in the past.

Testimony in the trial is expected to wrap up Tuesday.