Justice, 4 others indicted (Crooked Lawyer Alert)

clarion ledger ^ | July 26, 2003 | Jerry Mitchell

[friendly]

State Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz Jr. became the first justice in Mississippi history to be indicted on felony charges.

Authorities say the five took part in a "scheme to deprive the state of Mississippi and its citizens of their right to honest services" and that the judges gave Minor an unfair advantage in return for him paying off or guaranteeing loans, making cash payments and in one case paying a judge's legal expenses.

"One of the FBI's top priorities is to combat public corruption at all levels, including the judiciary," said Edwin L. Worthington, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "All citizens are entitled to fair and impartial legal proceedings without undue influence."

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I love the smell of burning shysters in the morning.

[coloradan]

"One of the FBI's top priorities is to combat public corruption at all levels, including the judiciary," said Edwin L. Worthington, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi.

Yeah, that's the ticket. It's why some 2,000 FBI files ended up in the Clinton white house. And why FBI agents shoot Eagle Scouts in the face, and gas and burn children to death, and follow Steven Hatfill around (and run over his foot) ...

[Nucluside]

I assume he is a 'Rat?

[vetvetdoug]

Wonder how the tobacco settlement got through first in Mississippi? Wonder how Marty Frankel embezzled $3.8 billion from the insurance companies in Mississippi? Wonder how Worldcom based in Mississippi cost the stockholders $9.8 billion?

Ronnie Muskrat is basing his campaign on how Barbour is an outsider and Mississippians should vote for someone that never has left the state. Looks like to me an outsider would be an improvement.

[vetvetdoug]

Diaz is a RiNO appointed by Muscrat.

[skr]

Authorities say the five took part in a "scheme to deprive the state of Mississippi and its citizens of their right to honest services"

Isn't that what the Liberal Democrats are doing to us by filibustering judicial nominees?

[ikka]

What do you call five indicted lawyers, one of which is a judge?

A good start!

[Militiaman7]

Tip of the Iceberg.

[jimtorr]

Please, there is no need to excerpt the Clarion Ledger. Post the entire article.

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I read that the crooked justice in question is a republican, but I am not sure. Vermin lawyer scum infest both parties. The Rats are simply pimps for their shyster paymasters.

[friendly]

Wonder how the tobacco settlement got through first in Mississippi? Wonder how Marty Frankel embezzled $3.8 billion from the insurance companies in Mississippi? Wonder how Worldcom based in Mississippi cost the stockholders $9.8 billion

Inquiring minds want to know. Amazing how Mississippi is the most third world impoverished, backward state with America's richest shysters!

[grapeape]

You have to because it is a scandal and they didn't mention party affiliation. Any thime that happens it is usually a rat.

[Iwo Jima]

I love the smell of a fully posted article. Why do you take it upon yourself to "excerpt" an article? Post the full article or don't post at all.

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State Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz Jr. became the first justice in Mississippi history to be indicted on felony charges.

He took a leave of absence Friday afternoon, a move supported by Chief Justice Ed Pittman, who said in a statement, "He took this action so that his personal legal matters would not impede the workings of this court. I thank him for this consideration in regard to the court's business. The court will continue to carry out its work."

A federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment Friday against Diaz, his ex-wife, Jennifer Diaz, trial lawyer Paul Minor of Ocean Springs, and former judges Wes Teel and John Whitfield charging them with fraud and bribery. Minor is also charged with racketeering.

Authorities say the five took part in a "scheme to deprive the state of Mississippi and its citizens of their right to honest services" and that the judges gave Minor an unfair advantage in return for him paying off or guaranteeing loans, making cash payments and in one case paying a judge's legal expenses.

"One of the FBI's top priorities is to combat public corruption at all levels, including the judiciary," said Edwin L. Worthington, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "All citizens are entitled to fair and impartial legal proceedings without undue influence."

But those accused Friday insist they have done no wrong. "Mr. Minor will be found innocent simply because he is innocent," said his attorney, Jim Neal of Nashville.

Justice Diaz's attorneys, Brad Pigott and Robert McDuff of Jackson, said in a statement Friday, "Although he has been accused of improper dealings with a hometown friend, attorney Paul Minor, the records of the Mississippi Supreme Court show that Justice Diaz voluntarily recused himself from participating in any of Mr. Minor's law firm's cases before the Supreme Court."

Jim Kitchens of Jackson, the attorney for Diaz's ex-wife, said Friday, "Jennifer Diaz is no criminal, so she will be cleared of the accusations in the indictment." He called her "a marvelous mother for her children."

Other agencies involved in the investigation include the state attorney general's office, the U.S. attorney's office, the Harrison County district attorney, banking regulators and the Internal Revenue Service.

The investigation doesn't end with these charges, Worthington said. Authorities aren't discussing where it's headed, but subpoenas and the appearances of FBI agents have made it obvious the probe is aimed at huge jury verdicts in Jefferson County.

U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton wouldn't discuss the ongoing probe but said "an unbiased, untainted court system is essential in securing our democracy and preserving our fundamental rights."

A statement from his office said, "An indictment contains only allegations. It will be the government's burden to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt."

Minor's lawyer, Neal, agreed. "Paul and his family have suffered long months of painful rumors and innuendoes and are ready for their day in court."

[Iwo Jima]

Thank you very much.