SAN DIEGO -- Councilmembers Ralph Inzunza and Michael Zucchet are accused of taking illegal campaign contributions in exchange for helping the owner of a San Diego strip club.

Federal prosecutors filed motions in response to a defense request that certain references -- from mob ties to Vegas tickets -- not be permitted at trial.

The document reveals more details about what the U.S. Attorney's Office will be using against Inzunza and Zucchet -- details prosecutors say prove conspiracy.

According to the document, Zucchet returned campaign contribution money after an Internet search revealed to him that Michael Galardi "had alleged mob-related associations with individuals in Atlanta."

The defense wants those statements excluded because it would prejudice a jury.

Attorney Jan Ronis said even the government admits this is not a mob-related case.

"This is not a mob case. None of the defendants are alleged to be mob connected in anyway and in fact the corroborating witnesses are not connected in any way," said Ronis.

The defense also wants to omit a reference to late Councilman Charles Lewis receiving tickets to a Las Vegas show from Lance Malone shortly after he won his council seat.

But the prosecution said, "Tickets (were) no different from his payment of money in terms of his intent to improperly influence official action."

Another point that could help the U.S. attorney prove conspiracy is that in one taped conversation Malone is quoted as saying "Ralph (Inzunza's) our man. Ralph's been helping us full time."

Why are these details so important to the prosecution? Ronis said it's the nature of a conspiracy case. Every incidental comment could connect the dots. They're usually pieced together though a lot of circumstantial evidence. In this case, phone calls and other conversations which have been reported on by co-operating witnesses.

It is up to the judge to decide how much of these conversations and statements can be allowed but Ronis said he would be surprised if the judge allowed anything that referenced any kind of "mob ties."

The motions will be heard next week.