Prosecutor Statement: It was a great opportuntity

"In April 2004, Ford was a man who knew what he wanted."

This was how the prosecutor, Tim DiScenza, started his opening statement. He recounted Ford's meeting with E-Cycle at Morton's Restaurant. How E-cycle was a great opportunity for Ford to make money. How it was a great opportunity for Senator Ford to sell his office as a member of the senate of the State of Tennessee.

He then says, "This is your opportunity as the jury."

It's their opportunity because according to the prosecutor they will have the opportunity to hear the evidence against Ford, they will have the opportunity to witness Ford taking $50,000 in funds and they will have the opportunity to make a decision.

While Ford saw E-Cycle as a great opportunity. It turned out he had one big problem. E-Cycle was an FBI cover company.

But why did they target Memphis Tennessee? E-Cycle was set up because they had heard there was corruption in the ranks that had nothing to do with John Ford.

"They had a young fella who was jammed up and was willing to cooperate," DiScenza said.

This was informant Tim Willis.

E-Cycle also had certain restrictions placed upon it such as it could not compete with any other companies in the area.

The jury not only has an opportunity in being a part of this trial, they also get to be witnesses. They get to witness Ford's reaction when he grew suspicious that he may be involved in an FBI sting. They get to witness corruption. They get to witness extortion or a bribe accepted by a public official.

The jury will also get to hear and see transcripts of video tapes and transcripts. The prosecutor says the transcripts are only aides, but the real evidence is what they will hear in the tapes.