Lawyer says DOJ ends criminal probe of Tom DeLay

[sonias]

AAS 8/16/10
Lawyer says DOJ ends criminal probe of Tom DeLay

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has ended its six-year criminal probe of the ties between former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and disgraced ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff without filing any criminal charges against the former congressman.

One of DeLay's lawyers, Richard Cullen, said Monday the Justice Department's public integrity section informed DeLay's legal team early last week that it was ending the investigation.

"Six years is a long time and I'm sure he wishes it had happened years ago," Cullen said of the conclusion of the investigation of DeLay.

Justice Department spokeswoman Laura Sweeney declined to comment, which is normally the case when the department ends a criminal probe without filing charges.

Separately, DeLay has been indicted in Texas on charges of money laundering and conspiracy allegedly connected to 2002 state legislative elections. That case is pending.

The slimy, sleazy corrupt devil slides through another net!
:grr:

[PDittie]

1. Abramoff business concluded; TRMPAC matter continues.

There will be a hearing on that August 24, in fact.

From Rudyard Kipling's "Cleared":

"Cleared," honorable gentlemen. Be thankful it's no more:
The widow's curse is on your house, the dead are at your door.
On you the shame of open shame, on you from North to South
The band of every honest man flat-heeled across your mouth.


<...>

My soul! I'd sooner lie in jail for murder plain and straight,
Pure crime I'd done with my own hand for money, lust, or hate,
Than take a seat in Parliament by fellow-felons cheered,
While one of those "not provens" proved me cleared as you are cleared.

http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/2726/

[sonias]

2. Wish I had more faith in the Texas court system

I think we had a better shot at getting the slime-ball in and DOJ investigation.

:shrug:

[sonias]

4. Justice Department Ends Investigation Of Tom DeLay Without Criminal Charges

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/16/tom-delay-investigation-e_n_683697.html">Huffington Post 8/16/10
Justice Department Ends Investigation Of Tom DeLay Without Criminal Charges

(snip)
Still, DeLay's legal problems are not over. He and two associates face money laundering and conspiracy charges in Texas connected to 2002 state legislative elections. A court hearing in that case is set for next week.

"I still have a trial to go through," DeLay said, referring to the Texas case. "I'm hoping to win that. I know I will."

Prosecutors say DeLay and his co-defendants funneled $190,000 in corporate money through the Republican National Committee in Washington then back to state legislative candidates in violation of state law.

(snip)
Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said the Justice Department's decision sends the wrong message to current and future Congressional members.
Story continues below

"'The Hammer' belongs in the slammer," Sloan said, a reference to DeLay's nickname, which he got for his tenacity and toughness in politics.

I agree 100% with Melanie Sloan - The Hammer' belongs in the slammer :mad:

[Melissa G]

6. "The Hammer Belongs in the Slammer."

So does the Shrub and that Turd Blossom Rove. Are we likely to see this in our lifetime? Nope.:grr:
But here's hoping it happens anyway.

[sonias]

7. Justice Trifecta!

If we ever got the 3 of them locked up in jail or taken off this planet. That would be sweet!

[derby378]

3. Nice going, Holder...

...you let one of the "big fish" slip through your fingers.

[Beststash]

5. As usual

we simply never punish those responsible for political corruption nor can we role back the impact that their actions have affected Texas. Life goes on and those in power seem to be above the law.

Peace

[annm4peace]

8. DOJ Holder

One disappointment after another.