O.J. Simpson Defense Rests in Vegas Trial

Wed., Oct. 1, 2008 1:10 PM PDT by Gina Serpe

Isaac Brekken-Pool/Getty Images

Looks like those wanting to hear O.J. Simpson's side of the story in his kidnapping-and-armed robbery trial are going to have to wait for another ill-fated book deal.

Attorneys for the former football star have rested their defense in Simpson's Las Vegas trial after calling just one witness to the stand—who, as it happens, was not Simpson.

The lone testimony came courtesy of Thomas Scotto, Simpson's close friend.

Scotto told jurors that two witnesses for the prosecution attempted to extort $50,000 from him a day after the Simpson-led casino raid on two sports memorabilia dealers. Scotto also said other pro-prosecution witnesses tried to bribe him into changing his testimony.

"They were basically telling me, 'You or O.J. better come up with this or else,' " Scotto said of the alleged extortionists.

When pressed by District Attorney David Roger, however, Scotto said he never told police about the encounter because investigators never contacted him for an interview.

Scotto was also asked about whether he told fellow Simpson codefendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart that he planned on putting a hit out on Walter Alexander, one of the two men he accuses of attempting to extort him and Simpson.

He denied the accusation.

Both Simpson and Stewart pleaded not guilty to a dozen charges stemming from the September 2007 incident and each could face anywhere from five years to life in prison if convicted.

But while Simpson's defense has rested, Stewart's has not.

The latter's attorneys are expected to call three or four witnesses, though it's unclear whether Stewart will be one of them or if he'll make like Simpson and decline to testify.

The prosecution, which rested Monday, now has a chance to bring rebuttal testimony. The case could go to jury as early as Thursday.