Still no testimony from key witness in corruption trial

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah businessman who played a key role in touching off an influence-peddling scandal that brought corruption charges against a former state attorney general has again refused to testify in the onetime politician’s trial.
Jeremy Johnson invoked his Fifth Amendment rights Thursday, a day after a judge ordered him jailed for refusing to answer questions in John Swallow’s trial.
Johnson’s lawyers say his testimony could bring him new charges from zealous federal prosecutors despite an immunity agreement with the state. The U.S. Attorney for Utah declined to comment.
Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills ordered Johnson to return and try again on Friday as the Swallow prosecutors try to ease his lawyer’s concerns with a new agreement.
The onetime internet millionaire was sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of lying to banks in his business.