Posted on 02/20/2008 5:12:55 PM PST by Libloather
La. Rep. Jefferson appeals judge's ruling; trial to be delayed
Associated Press - February 20, 2008 6:24 PM ET
McLEAN, Va. (AP) - The trial of Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, who's charged with bribery, will be delayed so an appellate court can hear arguments on whether his status as a congressman protects him from prosecution.
Jefferson's trial was scheduled to start Monday.
Defense lawyers filed their appeal today in federal court in Alexandria. The appeal had been expected since earlier this month, when U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis the Third rejected the argument that the 16-count indictment should be tossed because it unconstitutionally infringes on his privileges as a congressman.
Jefferson's attorneys argue that grand jury testimony given by his staffers violated the Constitution's speech or debate clause. Ellis says that Jefferson's claims, if accepted, would be so broad as to effectively immunize all congressmen from scrutiny while in office.
Prosecutors can ask to have the appeal heard on an expedited schedule, but even then the delay is expected to last at least several months.
The indictment against Jefferson alleges he received more than $500,000 in bribes and demanded millions more between 2000 and 2005, including $90,000 he received from an FBI informant that was later found in the freezer of his Washington home. Prosecutors allege he used his influence as chairman of the congressional Africa Investment and Trade Caucus to broker deals in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and other African nations on behalf of those who paid bribes to him.
As far as I know, his 'status' is GUILTY!
Democrat Crime Syndicate member BUMP!
The fix is in. Run out the clock and the whole messy thing will go away. And, you ain’t see nothing yet. Wait till there’s an Obama/Dem in the WH and controlling the Congress, plus owning the media. And that’s just what’s going to happen if the unhappy “puritans” decide to stay home come November....even though they didn’t manage to get a candidate in the fight.
The fix is in. Run out the clock and the whole messy thing will go away. And, you ain’t see nothing yet. Wait till there’s an Obama/Dem in the WH and controlling the Congress, plus owning the media. And that’s just what’s going to happen if the unhappy “puritans” decide to stay home come November....even though they didn’t manage to get a candidate in the fight.
If the judge rules in his favor, then there is no stopping other Democrat Rats from selling our security to the highest bidder.
Jefferson was trying to influence legislation intended to prevent profits of the sale in this country of bootleg/smuggled “Tanzanite” that benefits/funds terrorism.
The man tried to sell out our security for personal gain. He should be tried without hesitation.
It was my understanding he could face trial Congressman or not, as the law states his offense puts him outside that which is protected by his position in Congress. One of our Freepers posted it a week or two ago, but I cannot find the link.
No wonder this guy is doing well in the Democrat party. He is a complete failure.
Yep-
if your a Demon Rat crime pays-
Barney Frank - interstate prostitution- pleaded the
same thing- “can’t prosecute-I am a congress man”
Jerry studds- Sex with a minor “the infamous page scandal”
“You all go screw yourselves- I am a congressman”
These two must be advising Jefferson
That's not what the House Rules say. And, when I get to Congress I will insist on that from day one. Either the House Ethics Committee acts immediately on Jefferson, or the Members of that Committee must resign.
Congressman Billybob
When they had immunity for legislators in Russia they had gangsters running for office just for the immunity.
Duke Cunningham
Who is paying this sleazebag scumball’s legal bills?
Streisand pitches in as leaders write checks to defense funds (William Jefferson D-La)
Thanks for the info.
I guess it’s true... there’s a sucker born every minute.
Gerry Studds has been dead since October 14, 2006.
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