BRADY McCOMBS
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Openings arguments are set Wednesday in Utah for a California businessman who prosecutors accuse of being a key figure in a $511 million tax credit scheme carried out by two executives of a Salt Lake City biodiesel company linked to a polygamous group.
The men from the polygamous group pleaded guilty last year to money fraud and other charges and are expected to testify against Lev Aslan Dermen, who has pleaded not guilty.
Dermen has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts, including money laundering and mail fraud.
Prosecutors allege Dermen told the men how to launder the money, including buying luxury sports cars and million dollar homes. They say he also bribed law enforcement to protect the men, though he's not charged with bribery.
