Posted on 07/02/2002 9:52:18 AM PDT by JohnHuang2
EWARK, July 1 — A federal judge today ruled that a letter from federal prosecutors outlining evidence-gathering in the corruption investigation of Senator Robert G. Torricelli would remain sealed while Mr. Torricelli appeals a judge's order that parts of the letter be released.
The letter seeks leniency in the sentencing of David Chang, a witness against Senator Torricelli in the investigation. Mr. Chang pleaded guilty to making illegal contributions to Senator Torricelli's 1996 campaign and to obstructing federal investigators. He also accused Mr. Torricelli of accepting thousands of dollars in gifts in exchange for political favors.
Mr. Chang's lawyer, Bradley D. Simon, has asserted that the letter corroborates his client's accusations. Mr. Torricelli has called Mr. Chang a liar, and has insisted that he was vindicated in January when the United States attorney's office in Manhattan announced that it would not seek an indictment against him.
Several news organizations have asked that the letter be unsealed, saying that the First Amendment entitles the public and the press access to the information, especially because voters must decide this fall whether to re-elect Mr. Torricelli.
But Mr. Torricelli's lawyers argue that the investigation relied so heavily on the use of a federal grand jury that release of the letter would violate court rules ensuring the secrecy of grand jury proceedings.
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