MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A federal judge has acquitted Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson of 15 of the 20 charges brought against her due to lack of evidence.
Robinson is accused of misappropriating nearly 600 hundred thousand dollars in grant money meant for a nursing school she ran for her personal gain.
In federal court, Judge Sheryl Lipman questioned testimony from the prosecution's witnesses. She also said prosecutors changed their theory mid-trial which didn't give the defense time to prepare for the change. Her ruling essentially throws out all the theft charges.
"I haven’t heard all of the evidence but from what I have heard so far, I certainly believe the judge was correct in dismissing the charges that she dismissed," said State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, (D) Memphis.
The five remaining charges are connected to fraud and embezzlement. Despite the ruling, Robinson told the judge she wanted to proceed with the trial.
Her supporters believe that in the end, she will prevail.
"I’m proud of my friend. I'm here to support her and, with that support, I am pleased," said TN Senator Sara Kyle, (D) Memphis.
" We all believe in, the American justice system that you are innocent until or unless proven guilt in and we believe her personal her professional and her political future is bright has been damaged by the having to fight these charges and we believe justice will prevail," said Hardaway.
The trial is expected to continue Tuesday.