Fargo, N.D. (AP) The attorneys for two North Dakota brothers accused of intentionally destroying potatoes to collect insurance payments say there's no hard evidence in the case and prosecutors are relying on a key witness who can't be trusted.
Aaron and Derek Johnson, who farmed in the Cooperstown area, are on trial for conspiring to defraud federal crop insurance programs for more than $2 million and making false statements to authorities.
Prosecutors say the brothers, among other things, added chemicals to make the potatoes deteriorate, then claimed the damage occurred naturally.
Richard Henderson, Aaron Johnson's attorney, said during opening statements Tuesday that the government has no proof the spoilage was intentional, and without that there is no case.
The attorney for Derek Johnson, Ben Thomas, said his client should not have been indicted.