Alexander trial gets into ethics

Louise Alexander chats with attorney Laura Chain this morning before trial resumes.

Ethics or the lack thereof took center stage in the fourth day of the trial of Bessemer Councilwoman Louise Alexander this morning when the proceedings finally started.

Hugh Evans, general counsel for the state Ethics Commission, testified about what constitutes a matter of ethics violations to give the jury a more clear picture of the what the trial is about.

It ended the state's case. 

Chris Browning, a private investigator who used to work for the state, testified that Alexander did not provide him with receipts and on the second visit was turned away as she told him this was all political.

In the afternoon session, developer Stan Pate is expected to be back on the witness stand because the defense wants to review his notes.

—Tribune staff report