Tucker testified that when Macardican began talking about making payments to him in "green," it was obvious that the conversation had shifted from campaign contributions to a business relationship.
It was with that implicit understanding, he said, that he agreed to accept $10,000 from Macardican.
Citing the spot on the tape transcript where payments in "green" are mentioned, Potter told the jury: "You can stare at this document for hours, for days, for years and you're not going to see any evidence that the defendant was hired as a consultant."
He charged that Tucker recognized that his account was implausible and therefore "trumped up" a story that he "clarified" his relationship with Macardican a few weeks later during an impromptu meeting in the parking lot outside the businessman's Compton office.
"We know it didn't happen and we know it from the defendant's own testimony," the prosecutor added as he played for the jury a segment from a videotape made on June 26, 1991, when Tucker visited Macardican's office to collect a $2,000 installment on the $10,000 he was promised.
"That plus the eight we agreed on should secure your vote," Macardican told him as he handed over the money. "We'll be friendly, definitely," replied Tucker as he got up to leave.
Closing arguments are to continue today before the case goes to the jury.
