Stephanie’s Fresh Perspective

Money Talks Everyone knows that “money talks.”  The biggest problem for former Congressman William J Jefferson, however, may be that witnesses talk, even if money doesn’t.  The case against Congressman Jefferson is infamous because of $90,000 in cash found in his freezer in 2005.  When that money was found, the story was all over the [...]

Stephanie’s Fresh Perspective

The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Inspector General Neil Barofsky recently announced that he has already opened 20 criminal investigations resulting from allegations of TARP fraud and abuse.  Clearly, with billions of dollars of federal funds in play, the TARP will be a prime target for fraudsters, and Mr. Barofsky’s mandate is to carefully monitor the [...]

Stephanie’s Fresh Perspective

A problem with DoJ or a problem with DoJ attorneys? The Department of Justice has had several high-profile incidents in the past few weeks calling into question the integrity of its prosecutors – specifically the aftermath of the Ted Stevens trial, during which prosecutors failed to disclose exculpatory evidence, and the Shaygan trial in Miami, [...]

Stephanie’s Fresh Perspective

The Speech or Debate Clause The Speech or Debate Clause seems to be making a comeback.  Recently, former Congressman Jefferson invoked it in an effort to have his indictment dismissed.  He was unsuccessful.  Now, Baltimore City Councilwoman Holton is relying on its protections in asking a Maryland state court to dismiss a bribery indictment pending against [...]