Charter Jet Trial Goes To The Jury

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The fraud case of two charter jet executives whose plane crashed at a New Jersey airport is in the hands of a jury.

Brothers Michael and Paul Brassington are being tried on charges of lying to authorities and conspiracy to defraud. Michael Brassington also is charged with endangering an aircraft.

Closing arguments concluded Tuesday.

The Brassingtons headed Florida-based Platinum Jet Management from 2002 to 2005. The company flew high-end clients in the film and music business.

A 2005 crash at Teterboro Airport injured 20 people and led to indictments against seven people. They were charged with running illegal commercial charters, falsifying documents and lying to investigators. Three have pleaded guilty and one has had charges dismissed. Another awaits trial.

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