The corruption case against two confidants of Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher goes to the jury today.
In closing arguments Tuesday afternoon, prosecutors said officer Timothy Rehak and Fletcher spokesman Mark Naylon are guilty of pocketing $6,000 during their search of an alleged drug dealer's room at the Kelly Inn in St. Paul.
The defense doesn't dispute the men left the room with the money, but they claim it was a practical joke played on a third officer, Sgt. Rollie Martinez.
"How come nobody knew about the practical joke?" Rehak's lawyer Kevin Short asked in closing. "The practical joke didn't work. ... You don't brag about jokes that don't work.
"This was stupid. Stupid," he said. "It violated policy, but if it was a joke, it was not a crime."
In his closing for Naylon, Paul Rogosheske said, "It might not be the most brilliant plan in the world, but it isn't criminal theft."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Marti and Joe Dixon said the joke defense didn't add up. Dixon called the claim preposterous. He displayed still photos from the FBI video showing Rehak handing Naylon the money.
"No way does an officer mess with money on a search," Dixon said.