1/28/13 - Jurors will hear about the top-shelf lifestyle of a Livingston County investment manager as a fraud trial opens in Detroit federal court. John Bravata is accused of misleading investors as he collected millions of dollars from them at BBC Equities. He denies any fraud and says he was taking legitimate stakes in real estate that simply turned sour during the recession. Jury selection starts today. Defense lawyers have tried to keep out evidence of Bravata's personal spending, but a judge rejected it. Prosecutors say it's critical to their case. Bravata, an ex-Kalamazoo police officer who lived in the Brighton area, had hot cars, homes, jewelry and more luxuries. Bravata's son, Antonio, is also on trial. An insider, Richard Trabulsy, has pleaded guilty and will be an important government witness. (JK)
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