Willacy County (Texas) Grand Jury Indicts Vice President

[JudyInTheHeartland]

Source: KRGV

WILLACY COUNTY - A Willacy County grand jury has indicted a number of political figures, including Vice President Dick Cheney.

Indictments have not yet been made public and we're told a district judge still has to sign the indictments. Two state district judges are also indicted along with Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 is digging to find out more. Senator Lucio has already issued a statement in response to the indictment. It says a motion will be filed to quash Senator Lucio's indictment this week.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 is working in Willacy County right now and will bring you the latest when it becomes available.

Read more: http://www.krgv.com/2008/11/18/1001429/Willacy-County-Grand-Jury-Indicts-Vice-President

[mikelgb]

1. yay

INDICTMENTS FOR DICK!

[Oak2004]

2. Go Willacy!

I wonder over what. There are sooo many crimes he has committed.

Oh would it be sweet if he found himself in a Texas jail, outside the reach of a Federal pardon :)

[ashling]

3. Dead Eye Dick?

Better take good aim.

:rofl:

[snappyturtle]

4. YES,YES,YES!

:woohoo: oh please,please, please!

[derby378]

5. Any further details?

That article seems rather sparse...

[clear eye]

60. There's a little more on the bbc

like claiming his offense was blocking an investigation due to "conflict of interest" caused by an $85M investment in a group that has shares in private prisons. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7737093.stm

Sounds mighty thin even to me (and I feel Cheney is pretty much the definition of an evil human being), so it's doubtful any local judge would do the necessary signing off to take the case to trial. I don't even think that team would have to strongarm anyone to get off. Of course, if they have to, they will.

This will likely be over by the end of today (Wednesday).

On edit: The papers that have pictures of the two of them in the courtroom show them both chuckling and clearly taking the proceedings as great entertainment. Shows, more than anything I've read about either of them (and that's plenty), what's wrong with those two.

[Newsjock]

6. More details: Houston Chronicle

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6119394.html

McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy County's federal detention centers.

The indictment criticizes Cheney's investment in the Vanguard Group, which holds interests in the private prison companies running the federal detention centers. It accuses Cheney of a conflict of interest and "at least misdemeanor assaults" on detainees by working through the prison companies.

Gonzales is accused of using his position while in office to stop an investigation into abuses at the federal detention centers.

Another indictment charges state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. with profiting from his public office by accepting honoraria from prison management companies.

[JBear]

7. DAMN!

Now this means that the prez can pardon him for everything.

:(

They should have waited until January 21st.

:popcorn:

[merh]

11. I agree

they should have waited.

Now there are three quaranteed pardons.

[Occulus]

63. Someone downthread asserted that,

because these are state charges, * cannot pardon them.

Could someone knowledgeable confirm or deny this?

[Baby Snooks]

8. The grand jury will be reported missing tomorrow...

If the judge signs the indictments, more than likely the judge will dismiss the indictments. A Harris County grand jury indicted a Texas Supreme Court justice earlier this year. And the judge dismissed the indictment. In this case, the judge has to sign the indictments first. And I suspect that won't happen. Interesting that Cheney has a financial interest in a private security firm that runs federal prisons. Wonder if that was ever disclosed before. The most corrupt administration ever. And they will walk away without so much as a slap on the hand. Although they will be shooting the bird at everyone.

The real indictment should have come through Congress. All eyes again turn to Nancy Pelosi.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

9. This is a Pub stunt I think

This relates to the death of Howard Stern Wack-packer Keneth Keith Kalenback. I think the Cheney/Geo link is being used to gain pub for the case

edited to add :

I would like to be wrong however

[Renew Deal]

17. You don't get an indictment without a probability of a conviction.

They have to convince a grand jury to bring an indictment.

[AZ Criminal JD]

19. You don't have any idea what you are talking about

Anyone can get an indictment from a grand jury.

[Renew Deal]

20. Anyone? So you can walk in there and get one?

You don't have any idea what you are talking about

[AZ Criminal JD]

25. I'm not a prosecutor. I'm a defense attorney.

No I can't get one but any prosecutor can.

[merh]

66. Yes, anyone can get an indictment

They are just formal allegations, "you can indict a ham sandwich" is an old phrase often used in the criminal justice system.

The proof is one sided and all too often, supposition.

I can swear out an affidavit that you stole my watch. All the DA has to do is present my affidavit and you can be facing a charge. The DA gets to put on all the evidence as slanted and as biased as they wish.

[Occulus]

62. .

.

[underpants]

10. Oops I duped you-I did look first

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3607855

[underpants]

12. DUPE

Source: Sorry

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3607731&mesg_id=3607731

Read more: see link in excerpt box

[Parche]

13. Run Dick Run

:woohoo: :hi:

[merh]

14. Can you say "pardon"?

:argh:

They shouldn't have indicted now - they should have waited.

[AllyCat]

64. Uh, uh. That's the beauty of this. It's a STATE charge

Apparently, the Liar in Chief can't pardon him for a state crime, only federal crimes.

[99th_Monkey]

15. Why am I not surprised that Darth the Faceshooter owns stock in private prisons?

This indictment sounds (reading between the lines) like there have been some very unseemly and unsavory
things going on here, what with Gonzo and Darth --being the pyscho-sickos they are -- defending and
stonewalling investigations into abuse of prisoners. :puke:

[Renew Deal]

16. Vice president, former AG, state senator indicted (Cheney, Gonzalez Indicted)

Source: Houston Chronicle

McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy County's federal detention centers.

The indictment criticizes Cheney's investment in the Vanguard Group, which holds interests in the private prison companies running the federal detention centers. It accuses Cheney of a conflict of interest and "at least misdemeanor assaults" on detainees by working through the prison companies.

Gonzales is accused of using his position while in office to stop an investigation into abuses at the federal detention centers.

Another indictment charges state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. with profiting from his public office by accepting honoraria from prison management companies.
<snip>

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6119394.html

---

More info here: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/18/171157/23/24/663070

This is actually not a hoax!

[Grown2Hate]

18. IF the indictments are upheld, how convenient the timing...

now they can be pardoned easier (the problem before being that they'd have to list the crimes, charged or NOT, that they'd be pardoned for, making it a very awkward challenge... if there are actual indictments, it would at least SEEM less slimy to pardon them... as I write this, what am I thinking? These are people with NO conscience... the pardons will be coming to EVERYONE either way... bastards).

[kpete]

Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales indicted in S. Texas-Charges related to alleged abuse of prisoners

Source: Associated Press

Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales indicted in S. Texas
Charges related to alleged abuse of prisoners in federal detention centers
Associated Press
Nov. 18, 2008, 4:59PM


McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy County's federal detention centers.

The indictment criticizes Cheney's investment in the Vanguard Group, which holds interests in the private prison companies running the federal detention centers. It accuses Cheney of a conflict of interest and "at least misdemeanor assaults" on detainees by working through the prison companies.

Gonzales is accused of using his position while in office to stop an investigation into abuses at the federal detention centers.

Another indictment charges state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. with profiting from his public office by accepting honoraria from prison management companies.




Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6119459.html

[RC]

21. Hopefully this is just the trickle before the raging flood.

[CLANG]

22. POPCORN!!!

[liberal N proud]

23. Oh please let this be something that nails these bastards

PLEEEESE!

[liberal N proud]

24. Hope it sticks

[bluesmail]

26. As closely as I follow politics/Dick I NEVER saw this coming. Is It Onion?

HA!

[Ian David]

27. About time they got them for SOMETHING already. n/t

[IndianaGreen]

28. K&R

Time for these crooks to face the music!

[GReedDiamond]

29. As far as I know, a sitting Vice President...

...must first be impeached (by the Congress), before a trial can be conducted (by the Senate).

So, what good would an indictment by a local Grand Jury in Texas (or anywhere else) do, until such time that, in this case, Cheney is out of office? If the indictment is not quashed through some legal maneuverings on behalf of the Big Dick between now and January 20, 2009, maybe it could then be pursued.

Anybody know the legalities on this - am I missing something here?

Now, Gonzales, on the other hand, arrest that fucker and commence the trial asap!

(edited for accuracy)

[Independent_Liberal]

30. I don't know. You got me thinking about the last VP to be indicted...

Spiro Agnew. He was given a plea bargain and pleaded "nolo contendre" (no contest) and was forced to resign as part of the deal and then he was put on probation if I'm not mistaken. I think he would've been impeached if he hadn't resigned.

[GReedDiamond]

31. Thanks for the Spiro reminder...

...who could forget his "nolo contendre" plea in the investigation of his activities prior to and during his term as VP? (Besides me, I mean.)

This Wikipedia entry on Agnew explains what the "nolo contendre" plea was about, but does not get into the potentialities of his case (involving bribery, tax fraud, extortion and conspiracy), regarding the impeachment clause of the U.S. Constitution.

[ClayZ]

32. Louder! K and R

[merci_me]

33. Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales indicted in S. Texas

Source: Houston Chronicle


Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales indicted in S. Texas
Charges related to alleged abuse of prisoners in federal detention centers
Associated Press
Nov. 18, 2008, 4:59PM

McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy County's federal detention centers.

The indictment criticizes Cheney's investment in the Vanguard Group, which holds interests in the private prison companies running the federal detention centers. It accuses Cheney of a conflict of interest and "at least misdemeanor assaults" on detainees by working through the prison companies.

Gonzales is accused of using his position while in office to stop an investigation into abuses at the federal detention centers.

Another indictment charges state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. with profiting from his public office by accepting honoraria from prison management companies.

The indictments were first reported by KRGV-TV.

http://www.chron.com:80/disp/story.mpl/front/6119459.html

Read more: http://www.chron.com:80/disp/story.mpl/front/6119459/html

[mrreowwr_kittty]

34. Would be great if this went somewhere.

And * doesn't get to pardon them before leaving office.

[Independent_Liberal]

37. If it's a state grand jury...

...* wouldn't be able to pardon them. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

43. Very cool! nt

[Xenotime]

35. This is really shaping up to be a great politcal season!

[Swede Atlanta]

36. Yeah!!!!!!!

But we know this will come to nothing with Darth "FU" Cheney. He will slime his way out of this or be pardoned by Shrub on his way out of town.

[Independent_Liberal]

38. Read my post above.

If it's a state investigation, Dubya wouldn't be able to pardon him.

[Canuckistanian]

46. But he'll be forced to spend money on lawyers

At this rate, he can be nickel and dimed to bankruptcy by all these lawsuits.

My heart bleeds....

[onehandle]

39. Don't expect anything from this, people. It's a distraction. nt

[Independent_Liberal]

40. It was being reported on the Fox News website...

...as well as a few other sources. Methinks it's not a distraction.

[Independent_Liberal]

42. Check this out...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x241659

Distraction my ass!

[merci_me]

45. Thank you for that link!!!!! n/t

[midnight]

47. It propbably has been lights out for alot of people in this country

expecting the judicial system to follow the law....

[poetsdream]

41. Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

Can this be the start of the fall of Bush/Cheney and their band of evildoers?

PLEASE PLEASE LET IT BE SO.

Now that's the kind of change I can believe in!!



:bounce:

[kleec]

44. Oh please

please dear Universe let this be for real.

[douglas9]

48. For Inquiring Minds

Raymondville Private Prisons(Willacy County) and Prison Scandals Have Long History
Wed, 06/27/2007 - 19:26 — Bob

Yesterday, Kathleen reported that detention center protests have spread from big protests outside T. Don Hutto and civil disobedience at CCA’s Houston Processing Center to a 75-person strong rally in front of the Willacy County Processing Center in Raymondville.

The 2,000-bed ICE detention center, operated by MTC, first drew headlines when it was announced that it would be built in only 90 days and would consist of a series of windowless Kevlar pods. The project then drew fire from Willacy County Attorney Juan Guerra who warned county officials that they couldn’t spend excess project funds on other county projects, as they had planned.

MTC’s Processing Center is by no means the first private prison or prison scandal to engulf Raymondville. Already home to a 1,000-bed private state prison, a 500-bed private federal jail, and a 96-bed county jail, the county is known, even by county leaders, as Prisonville.

As the Texas Observer has reported, Willacy County had already experienced trouble with a previous private prison project. In 2005, two Willacy County Commissioners and one Webb County Commissioner plead guilty to accepting bribes from at least one company involved in the previous MTC prison project, a scheme that involved prison developers Hale-Mills and Corplan.

http://www.texasprisonbidness.org/scandals/raymondville-private-prisons-and-prison-scandals-have-long-history

[DogPoundPup]

49. Cheney, former AG Gonzales indicted on charges brought by controversial Texas prosecutor

Source: Hartford Courant

McALLEN, Texas (AP) _ Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales have been indicted on state charges involving federal prisons in a South Texas county that has been a source of bizarre legal and political battles under the outgoing prosecutor.

The indictment returned Monday has not yet been signed by the presiding judge, and no action can be taken until that happens.

The seven indictments made public in Willacy County on Tuesday included one naming state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. and some targeting public officials connected to District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra's own legal battles.

Regarding the indictments targeting the public officials, Guerra said, "the grand jury is the one that made those decisions, not me."


Read more: http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-cheney-indicted,0,6724275.story

[Posteritatis]

50. Thanks; was looking for a more substantive article on this (nt)

[Hangingon]

53. Here are two sources

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/brownsvilleherald_91922___article.html/attorney_state.html and Http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6119844.html

A district judge has not yet signed the indictments. This is going no where.

[Xipe Totec]

51. These are State charges

Which means Bush cannot pardon them; he does not have the power.

[AllyCat]

57. Oh, that's brilliant! If we can't get them for the worst they did

lets get them for lesser charges, but get them nonetheless. Worked for Al Capone. Should work for this set of gangsters, too.

[machI]

58. Even with lesser charges, we can get Cheney under oath and ask him questions

If he can be caught up in a lie under oath, further charges can be brought against him.

This is good news; Cheney is going down.

[Uben]

52. Just seeing the words "Cheney indicted" feels good

Hearing them, seeing them, doesn't matter, as long as it's in the news! And Gonzales is a BONUS!!

[lligrd]

54. k&r

[walldude]

55. K&R

[autorank]

56. "abuse of office, profiting from office, and murder."

They all face a stream of criminal charges including abuse of office, profiting from office, and murder.

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/brownsvilleherald_91922___article.html/attorney_state.html

[Robbien]

59. "working through corporations as prisons for profit"

They only indicted Cheney and Gonzo? There is a very long list of GOPers who are "working through corporations as prisons for profit".

[clear eye]

61. Way to go, new member. You got to us first w/ this. n/t

[JudyInTheHeartland]

67. Thanks clear eye!

I prefer to lurk, but every now and then will post when I come across something really good.

[Igel]

65. It'll vanish soon enough.

The conflict of interest is a problem wrt Cheney. The investment has to have been in a blind trust for the last 8 years or so. That means Cheney's had no control over the investment and limited knowledge of what it contains, so there can be no conflict of interest. Moreover, it's unclear that he has or had the authority to even act through the investment to prevent the problems at the jail. Would selling the investment have affected the corp. running the prison? Probably not. Others would have bought the stock.

If he *had* control over the investment, then there'd be other, more serious, conflict of interest charges.

If the indictment's upheld, the result is that nobody in high office could be allowed to have investments--a blind trust doesn't shield you from conflict of interest charges (while depriving you of the option of avoiding them), but having them invites conflict of interest charges. Even putting the cash in a bank at 0.4% is ruled out--surely legislation affects banks. People would be lining up to indict each and every high ranking official, elected officer, and all congressfolk.

If the problems all happened more than 8 years ago, when Cheney had direct control over the investment, why the delay in indictment? SoL.