Jury begins deliberations in MA treasurer case

BOSTON (WHDH) -- The jury is now deliberating in the corruption trial of former state treasurer Tim Cahill. He is accused of using taxpayer-funded commercials to promote his campaign for governor in 2010.

There is a saying that in life -- “timing is everything” -- and that is one of the key’s to Cahill’s trial. The heart of the case is an ad that ran just one month before the gubernatorial election.

“Tim Cahill is guilty of nothing more than being a tough Quincy kid and following his dreams,” said Jeffrey Denner, Cahill’s attorney.

Cahill, 54, and his campaign manager are accused of conspiracy, running a $1.5 million taxpayer-funded ad touting the lottery that Cahill was in charge of during the 2010 gubernatorial race.

“Now make no mistake, Tim Cahill wanted to be the governor of Massachusetts,” said prosecutor Jim O’Brien. “The lottery ads ran to give Mr. Cahill the boost in his campaign for governor.”

The government said they plotted, schemed and betrayed public trust, but Cahill’s lawyer said Cahill’s only sin was running as an independent against established political parties.

“He absolutely underestimated what the real blow back from that would be, leaving himself perhaps as…very vulnerable, very easy pray and that’s why he’s here today,” said Denner.

The jury will continue deliberating on Wednesday.

If Cahill is convicted he faces up to five years in prison.