Posted on 04/30/2008 8:07:26 AM PDT by SmithL
Already almost five years in the works, it doesn't appear the federal corruption probe of state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata will end anytime soon.
For the second time this year, the U.S. attorney's office has asked defense attorneys representing Perata and some other potential defendants for an extension of the legal deadline for filing charges. Additional time would allow prosecutors to wrap up their work, sources close to the case tell us.
As for why a target of a federal investigation would go along with a request for more time?
"Because then (the feds) say we have no choice but to indict you right now," said one source following the case.
"Everyone knows they have a gun to your head," said a second source.
The feds first asked for a time extension - known as a tolling agreement - back in 2006 when it appeared the five-year statute of limitations was about to expire for charging some portions of the case, whose history dates back several years. The U.S. attorney's office has repeatedly extended the extension - including for the three months that ended March 31. They most recently got yet another waiver allowing them to stretch the case out through June 30.
The grand jury has been probing everything from the Oakland Democrat's links to lobbyists, to his payment of campaign funds to family members as well as his role in pushing for various contracts.
According to statements on file with the secretary of state, Perata's defense has already racked up $1 million in legal bills since January 2006.
Perata - who is termed out of office at the end of the year and has been eyeing a run for mayor of Oakland - has denied breaking any laws.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
They’re stalling hoping Hillary or Barry is going to be elected so one of them will fire all the prosecutors or pardon him.
Sounds good to me. Get 'er done.
the fix is in - this mobster has set it up that the prosecutors blew it - he walks - only in California
“Everyone knows they have a gun to your head,” said a second source.
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The comment about a gun to your head is ironic indeed being as PeRATa was the bloke that proposed taxing bullets and diapers ..8-Ç
Hot in Cabot today, whew... last stop and on to San FRan and “normalcy”. Last chance for a bucket of iced Tecates
Tecate—yummm.... con limón y sal, por favor!
Im drinking Corona. but I got the lime. 8’*
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