Witness in Stevens case to face hearing

A hearing has been scheduled regarding the inconsistent testimony of a witness in the federal trial of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, a judge has ruled.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said with witness David Anderson apparently wishing to recant a portion of his testimony during Stevens' trial, he will hold a special hearing to hear motions from prosecutors and defense lawyers, the Anchorage Daily News said Wednesday.

Anderson has alleged he lied during his testimony when he said he had not received any prosecution deals involving immunity from prosecution.

Defense lawyers for Stevens, who was convicted of not reporting gifts he received to the Senate, are calling for a full evidentiary hearing regarding Anderson's testimony.

The defense is questioning whether the prosecution or FBI investigators unfairly motivated Anderson prior to his testimony in the high profile case.

Stevens, who is Veco Corp. chief executive Bill Allen's nephew, had testified regarding improvements made to Stevens' home in Girdwood, Alaska.

The Daily News said prosecutors in the case have disputed Anderson's claim, saying his testimony that he received no formal immunity was truthful.