OXFORD — A federal court jury began Thursday deliberating the fate of two Columbus businessmen charged with misusing pandemic relief funds.
Deliberations began at about 2:30 p.m., following closing arguments. Court adjourned three hours later with no verdict. The jury will reconvene Friday morning.
Jabari Edwards and Antwann Richardson are charged with 17 criminal counts, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements, involving Paycheck Protection Act and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds obtained in 2021.
The case centers around a group of companies Edwards owns, which includes J5 Solutions, J5 GBL, the Bridge Group and North Atlantic Security Services, among others. Also involved is Edwards’ personal, limited-liability company Edwards Enterprises.
Richardson oversaw the day-to-day operations of the J5 companies.
The near-two week trial began March 25, with testimony concluding Wednesday.
Editor’s note: The Dispatch will update this report online as it develops. Full coverage will also be published in the weekend print edition.
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