Limbaugh lawyer: Radio host was being blackmailed - Plea negotiations under way

CNN ^ | 12/22/03 | Susan Candiotti

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

An attorney for Rush Limbaugh charged Monday that the conservative talk show host was being blackmailed by the Florida couple whose allegations triggered an ongoing investigation into his purchases of painkillers.

During a hearing over whether prosecutors should have access to Limbaugh's medical records, attorney Roy Black said Limbaugh paid "extreme amounts of money" to Wilma Cline, his former housekeeper, and her husband, first for pills and then for extortion. Black alleged that the Clines had threatened to go public with information about Limbaugh's drug use unless they received $4 million.

[Bluntpoint]

Must I go to bed with all these songs in my head?

[Jorge]

So the whistle-blowing maid turns out to be a black-mailer too.

Perhaps her ill-will toward Rush will backfire on her.
And deservedly so.

[auggy]

"All rightee...so if this great and honorable man, Rush Limbaugh, did no wrong and had nothing to hide, why the hell was he paying off these two grifters???"

Probably just to avoid the publicity. Hoping the 6 figures would make them go away.

[corkoman]

Seizing vs subpeona is an important issue - to get the latter you must show cause - they had no evidence against rush only what the lawyer reported about the extortion attempt- so they COULD seize but the question is if the judge will allow these to be reviewed.

Again, unless they have admissable evidence of a crime - and nuthing from the maid seems admissable - there is no evidence to press charges.

[witnesstothefall]

Was Rush arrested with drugs? Were drugs found on his person? Was a search warrent done on his property/person? Were drugs found on Rush?

Your profound understanding of law marks you as a true fan. Ever heard of conspiracy?

[auggy]

"Dude, I just used search (correctly, this time) and did find a version of this same article. That makes me an ass, and you the recipient of this, my sincere apology."

I assume that is a guilty plea?

Sir, you are correct with your self analysis.

Yes, you are the Ass.

Carry-on.

[Victoria Delsoul]

The Clines later went public with their charges in the National Enquirer, alleging that Limbaugh's representative had paid them hush money. Sources said the couple was paid a six-figure sum for their story.

These people should be prosecuted and convicted for blackmail and extortion and thrown in jail so they can't do this to someone else.

[auggy]

Does anyone know how to fix the font? It's too small for us old timers.

[witnesstothefall]

Actually, it was brought to my attention that this article has new and unique aspects. But I'll let my apology stand, your classy contribution notwithstanding.

[witnesstothefall]

If your mouse has a wheel button, you can do the following:

Hold down the Control Key while you use the mouse wheel to adjust the font size.

Hope that helps.

[Alberta's Child]

These people should be prosecuted and convicted for blackmail and extortion and thrown in jail so they can't do this to someone else.

Amen. Ten bucks says they never paid any income taxes on that extortion money, either.

[Victoria Delsoul]

I bet not. Only crooks do the things they did.

[WackyKat]

These people should be prosecuted and convicted for blackmail and extortion and thrown in jail so they can't do this to someone else.

Yes, as usual, the little people who committed crimes should go to jail while the Big Guy who committed crimes should walk off scot-free.

[Alberta's Child]

Ten more bucks says they are Palm Beach County Democratic Election Board members.

[Victoria Delsoul]

You're probably right.

[RS]

"Bellows said Limbaugh never intended to sell the drugs. "

WHOA !

Did she say he never INTENDED to sell the drugs ????


... as in "I never INTENDED to run him over" ....?


There maybe something here MUCH bigger then people are thinking...

[longtermmemmory]

A spokeswoman for the radio network that carries Limbaugh's show said discussions have taken place between Black and prosecutors about a possible resolution of the investigation of Limbaugh.

** *** ***

It is SOP for the prosecutor to make a plea offer. It is just odd for an offer to come BEFORE a charge has been filed. Rejecting a plea offer is discussing a plea.

[longtermmemmory]

Was rush caught on video? Was rush caught on audio? Any admissible evidence? No, none. The State Attorney is reduced to using accounting manuvers to cobble together some form of finanical fabrication.

If Rush is able to show this abuse of office, I hope he goes after the State Attorney's Bar license.

[longtermmemmory]

Actually if you treat rush the same as everyone else, he should walk away scott free. This is how FL's special drug treatment court is supposed to work.

If this is true, then it means the drug dealers are in violation of their limited immunity deal demanding full disclosure. Their Clinton lawyer better be working overtime tonight.

[longtermmemmory]

Any Palm Beach Freepers up for jury duty?