FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The attorneys for two North Dakota brothers accused of intentionally destroying potatoes to collect insurance payments say there’s no hard evidence in the case and prosecutors are relying on a key witness who can’t be trusted.
 
     Aaron and Derek Johnson, who farmed in the Cooperstown area, are on trial for conspiring to defraud federal crop insurance programs for more than $2 million and making false statements to authorities.
 
     Prosecutors say the brothers, among other things, added chemicals to make the potatoes deteriorate, then claimed the damage occurred naturally.
 
     Richard Henderson, Aaron Johnson’s attorney, said during opening statements Tuesday that the government has no proof the spoilage was intentional, and without that there is no case.
 
     The attorney for Derek Johnson, Ben Thomas, said his client should not have been indicted.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Trial is set to begin for two North Dakota brothers accused of intentionally destroying potatoes and defrauding the federal government out of about $2 million in crop insurance payments.
 
     Aaron and Derek Johnson, of the Cooperstown area, are charged with conspiring to receive illegal payments by intentionally damaging the spuds. They have pleaded not guilty.
 
     The Johnsons are accused of applying chemicals to the potatoes and using portable heaters in the warehouse in order to accelerate deterioration. The government says once the potatoes rotted, the men reported the loss to their insurance company and said the crop was lost due to naturally caused diseases.
 
     A defense attorney says the brothers may be guilty of bad farming practices, but that is not illegal.
 
     Jury selection is scheduled Monday in Fargo.