Let The Games Begin

Brent Wilkes is going to spend some time in quiet contemplation.

Brent Wilkes was convicted Monday of 13 felonies for bribing former congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham with expensive meals, trips, a yacht and mortgage payments for his Rancho Santa Fe mansion in exchange for lucrative government defense contracts.

The verdict was announced just before noon. The jury had been deliberating since Wednesday.

The 53-year-old Poway defense contractor faces at least 20 years in prison.

Following the verdict, jury forewoman Tyheshia Smith-Kruck, the only jury member to speak to reporters, said the jury had no doubts about Wilkes' guilt.

“The evidence was enough to convict him of all charges,” she said.

This was so sweeping, I can't imagine an appeal, although celebrilawyer Mark Geragos is claiming he can prove a mistrial. But flipping for the bigger fish... that's possible. I think calls between California Congressional Republicans and top law firms could be heard all around the state tonight.