Posted on 06/20/2002 2:30:47 AM PDT by kattracks
Federal investigators are ending their probe into one of former President Bill Clinton's most controversial pardons without bringing any charges, the Daily News has learned.
The Justice Department is expected within a month to shut down its probe into whether Clinton gave clemency to four convicted felons of the Hasidic enclave of New Square after the town voted 1,400 to 12 for Hillary Clinton in her Senate election.
"The New Square part is likely to be closed without criminal charges being brought," a person close to the investigation told The News.
The investigation was launched after it was learned that Hillary Clinton twice met with New Square leaders.
The first meeting occurred in the Rockland County town during her campaign against Republican Rick Lazio, and the former First Lady has insisted the issue of the prison sentences never came up.
The second meeting took place in the White House after she won the election. She joined the President as the New Square officials lobbied to have the sentences reduced or commuted. She has said that was the first time she heard their concerns about the prison sentences.
On his last day in office, the President sliced the New Square prison terms over prosecutors' objections.
The Clintons' lawyer, David Kendall, declined comment yesterday, as did the former President's office and a lawyer for the New Square leaders.
Investigators are still looking into Clinton's pardon of fugitive billionaire Marc Rich. The pardon was granted after Clinton was lobbied by Rich's former wife, songwriter Denise Rich, one of the biggest contributors to his presidential library and Democratic causes.
No matter how much you dislike a person or party, wishful thinking, and suggestions of impropriety/illegality will not cut it.
You have to have hard evidence : evidence so compelling, and so outrageous, the media will feel forced to report it....and that's just for openers !!
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