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Ex-Okla. senator's federal bribery trial resumes

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An attorney for a solid waste management company involved in an alleged bribery and extortion plot says he thought it was unusual to hire the then-leader of the Oklahoma Senate to also provide legal services.

Attorney Derek Hardberger testified Friday in the federal bribery, conspiracy, extortion and mail fraud trial of former Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan.

Morgan allegedly conspired with lobbyist William Skeith and attorney N. Martin Stringer to illegally accept more than $400,000 from three companies that sought his influence on legislation. All three have pleaded not guilty.

Hardberger says he performed services for 1 of the companies - Dilworth Development Co. - and says it was unusual to also hire Morgan because Morgan had no environmental experience.

Morgan's defense lawyer has said the payments were legal.

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