What!?! DOJ to drop all charges against Ted Stevens

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New Attorney General Eric Holder will drop all charges pending against former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, according to an exclusive report from National Public Radio Wednesday.
Holder decided to drop the charges against Stevens mostly because of the problems caused by federal prosecutors, NPR reports, adding, the judge in the case has repeatedly criticized the lawyers for "prosecutorial misconduct," and ultimately found the attorneys in contempt. The Department of Justice replaced their team of lawyers, but Holder, fearing more ugly hearings, "pulled the plug," NPR reports.
The charges against Stevens stem from failing to properly report gifts totaling up to $250,000 on his senate disclosure form. Stevens, who maintained his innocence, lost his re-election bid in 2008, which NPR reports is partly the reason Holder is dropping the charges, along with the ex-senator's age, 84.
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http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/04/01/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4908866.shtml

The DOJ is afraid of "ugly hearings". Seriously? Way to strike fear in the hearts of those who engage in political corruption. Not like I'd want the DOJ to actually put up a fight for "justice" or anything.
 
[quote name='DarkSageRK']No. It was something like he was found guilty, but he wasn't sentenced.[/quote]

:wall:

It must be nice to be a convicted criminal and be able to set your sentencing date to the month after you die.
 
This isn't good press for the Obama administration, especially coming on the heels of Obama's choice for chief inspector

clouseau.jpg
 
[quote name='mykevermin']If I'm ever arrested, I'll be sure to have my lawyer cite this case to get me released quickly.[/quote]
Exactly. Welcome to precedent. Ugh.
 
What a shock. Because he's out of political power now, he serves no threat, and thus the charges were dropped in the cover of darkness so no one cares. Kinda like DeLay.
 
[quote name='Friend of Sonic']Is this an April Fool's joke? Seriously, the date is right on such a joke action.[/QUOTE]

Hmm.

crap.

CURSE YOU CARL CASTLE! I TRUSTED YOU!
 
I watched Olbermann last night. Yes, Olbermann is a hack, but I don't see him running to Stevens' defense like a Limbaugh or Medved would out of party loyalty.

I'm torn. How dirty was Stevens and how much of it was trumped up by the government?
 
[quote name='fatherofcaitlyn']I watched Olbermann last night. Yes, Olbermann is a hack, but I don't see him running to Stevens' defense like a Limbaugh or Medved would out of party loyalty.

I'm torn. How dirty was Stevens and how much of it was trumped up by the government?[/quote]

Stevens had every advantage of the legal system, he had the best lawyers, he had "Senator" affixed to his name, he had powerful friends, his political party held executive power. Most defendants should be so lucky.

If Stevens has enough for an appeal fine, but then let's do it again and do it right.
 
[quote name='camoor']Stevens had every advantage of the legal system, he had the best lawyers, he had "Senator" affixed to his name, he had powerful friends, his political party held executive power. Most defendants should be so lucky.

If Stevens has enough for an appeal fine, but then let's do it again and do it right.[/quote]

Prosecutors have to play by the rules every time. Cheat once and the defense wins.
 
[quote name='fatherofcaitlyn']Prosecutors have to play by the rules every time. Cheat once and the defense wins.[/quote]

IANAL, if Stevens successfully appeals does the case get completely thrown out? I thought a successful appeal just meant that the prosecution had to try the case again if they wanted Stevens to be found guilty.

Also, the audio-taped evidence was pretty damning IMO.
 
Shocking, another politician gets off scot-free. I guess Holder is setting up a precedent when folks like Murtha and Mollohan get indicted.
 
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