FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When investigators took the stand in the murder trial for Jimmy Rodgers, they say they wouldn't have found key pieces of evidence if Rodgers' girlfriend, Taylor Shomaker, hadn't shown them where it was.
But it was more than that. Her statement to detectives also helped tremendously in tying Jimmy Rodgers to this case.
Watch here: Jimmy Rodgers trial for the murder of Teresa Sievers in Lee County
"I asked him what he went down there (to Florida) for, and he said to make money. I asked him how does he make money, and it was murdering Mark's wife," Shomaker told investigators.
But a major talking point from the defense has been that the state basically paid her off to become a witness. They've also said a lot of her statements to investigators have been inconsistent at best.
"Unemployed, uneducated, single mother of 2 at the time. And Mister Rodgers was her protector -- physically, financially, and emotionally, until she hooked up with the police," argued the defense.
"Most importantly, they paid her. They began paying her. And she asked for money to give her statement. They paid her to put a deposit down on a place to live, they also gave her $400 a month, each and every month, paid by LCSO and have been receiving it as her agreement to testify."
The state responded, saying yes, they are paying Shomaker, but that it's all perfectly legal.
Defense: “Did you tell her if she didn't talk with you her children would be taken away?”
Lt. Michael Downs, LCSO: “No.”
Defense: “Did you promise her anything for talking with you?”
Lt. Downs: “I did not.”
Defense: “Did you start an investigation as to whether or not there was anything that could be done to assist her?”
Lt. Downs: “Yes.”
Defense: “And what did you find out?”
Lt. Downs: “We found out that she was eligible for witness assistance. We followed the proper steps and later she was granted witness assistance.”
Defense: “How much witness assistance a month was she granted?”
Lt. Downs: “She is granted $400 monthly.”
Witness assistance is a national as well as a state program. It lets witnesses get money and other assistance in exchange for testimony, but only under specific circumstances.
In this case, it's because Shomaker relied on Rodgers for financial stability.
The program also gives information medical facilities, social services, and public and private programs like counseling, treatment, or other support.
