The Latest: Corruption opens for ex-Utah attorney general

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Latest on a corruption trial for a former Utah attorney general (all times local):

11:40 a.m.

Prosecutors say one of Utah’s top lawmen was part of a triangle of power, corruption and greed in a scheme that brought him thousands of dollars and luxury trips from businessmen on the wrong side of the law.

Former Utah Attorney General John Swallow’s trial began with opening arguments on Wednesday. He is charged with 13 counts, including bribery and evidence tampering, in one of the highest-profile scandals in state history.

Defense attorney Scott Williams contends the case was a smear campaign against a successful politician, and prosecutors are twisting the facts to fit the story they want to tell.

The trial is expected to last nearly a month and could pull in dozens of witnesses. Swallow’s predecessor Mark Shurtleff was also accused, but charges against him have been dismissed.

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8 a.m.

A corruption trial for a former top state lawman set in what prosecutors call an arena of posh resorts, gold coins and questionable businessmen is expected to open nearly four years after his stunning fall from grace.

Ex-Utah Attorney General John Swallow will face 13 counts including bribery and evidence tampering during the trial beginning with opening arguments Wednesday and slated to last nearly a month.

Investigators said he and predecessor Mark Shurtleff hung a virtual “for sale” sign on the door to Utah’s top law enforcement office, taking campaign donations and gifts such as beach vacations from fraudsters and businessmen in trouble with regulators in exchange for favorable treatment during investigations.

Swallow’s attorney says there was no scheme to break laws and the charges are politically motivated. The charges against Shurtleff have been dismissed.