Prosecutors have decided not to call a key witness in the trial of a former congressman charged with taking bribes.

The witness is northern Virginia businesswoman Lori Mody. It was Mody's complaint that launched the investigation of former Representative William Jefferson, a Democrat who represented parts of New Orleans.

Jefferson is on trial in federal court accused of bribery, racketeering and other crimes. Mody gave Jefferson a suitcase containing $100,000 in cash and $90,000 of that cash was found by federal agents in Jefferson's freezer.

Prosecutors did not explain their decision. Defense lawyers have raised questions about Mody's credibility and wanted to question her about her mental health.