17 telling quotes from the Sheila Dixon trial
compiled by MELODY SIMMONS
“Sheila – Thank you for using your Rewards Zone Card.” (from the receipt at Best Buy)
“I left them at City Hall in a plain white envelope with Ms. Dixon’s name on it.” — Patrick Turner, millionaire developer
“There are not enough poor children to give them to? At some point, it would dawn on you to bring them back.” — Judge Dennis M. Sweeney, with no jury present, before denying defense motion for mistrial.
“When you steal, you commit a theft. . .when you steal and you steal from the needy, it’s unspeakable.” – Prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh, opening statement.
“There is no evidence that Ms. Dixon knew who these cards came from and the intent of the cards.” — Defense Attorney Dale P. Kelberman, in motion for a mistrial following Turner’s testimony.
“Are there so many gift cards flowing into City Hall that the jury could not make a determination? Are City Hall offices swimming in gift cards?” — Judge Dennis M. Sweeney
“Whether she’s swimming in gift cards or wading in them up to her ankles, it does not really make much difference.” — Reply from Dale Kelberman
“Yes. That is inappropriate and that is why I was prsosecuted,” city housing department official Lindbergh Carpenter Jr., when asked if he gave his children some of the Holly Trolley gift cards meant for the needy.
“To Sheila – Anonymous.” — Card on $285 bouquet of flowers for Dixon from ex-boyfriend Ronald Lipscomb
“Really, this case is not that difficult.” — Prosecutor Shelly S. Glenn, closing arguments to the jury
“Luella Hobo is not a person. It’s a purse.” — Glenn, in closing arguments, referring to a personal Target purchase Dixon made with a gift card from Patrick Turner
“Almost like she’s phoning in her order.” — Glenn, reminding jurors how Patrick Turner testified that he knew which gift cards to buy (Best Buy and Target) because Dixon specified which stores.
“This woman did not get this far in life that she gets that confused. She knew full well that those gift cards in that white envelope were from Mr. Turner.” — Glenn, in closing arguments
“What’s on you is the job of now having to remember what you’re supposed to forget.” — Defense attorney Arnold Weiner in closing arguments referring to Judge Sweeney’s dismissal of two counts and the testimony of several witnesses.
“Things are getting a little overheated. May we be dismissed for the day?” — Jury note of Friday Nov. 20 to Judge Sweeney
“Everyone thought that was a stretch.” — Juror Elaine Pollack, speaking to the Sun’s Laura Vozzella about the idea that Dixon thought gift cards that arrived for her at City Hall were from boyfriend-developer Lipscomb rather than from non-boyfriend-developer Turner, who had phone conversations with Dixon minutes before and minutes after he purchased the cards.
“I don’t care if it arrives in a blank envelope or a shoe, you know it’s for you if you asked for it.” — Elaine Pollack