The Washington Note: Indictments Tomorrow
Steve Clemons at the The Washington Note is reporting the following:
In other words, the sh*t is about to hit the fan. If Clemons' source is right about the indictments being sealed, then we may have to wait a little while longer to learn the whole story. If I remember correctly, all federal indictments are "sealed" until the individual is arrested, at which point they are usually unsealed. It's possible that this is all Clemons' source means. Occasionally, however, indictments remain sealed even after arrest if there is a compelling reason to do so. The only two reasons I can think of to keep the indictments under seal in this case are 1) if Fitzgerald plans to continue investigating and doesn't want potential targets to know what evidence he has gathered, or 2) if the indictments make reference to information that is still classified. Of those two, the second seems more likely to me. But then again, maybe the indictments will only be sealed until the individuals surrender themselves (or are arrested), at which point they will be unsealed and Fitzgerald will hold a press conference.
Either way, I think we should at least know the names of those who are indicted by Thursday.
UPDATE: Drudge is reporting that ABC News has two sources confirming that Libby has been indicted. [Drudge seems to have removed the link. Maybe this was bunk.]
An uber-insider source has just reported the
following to TWN:
1. 1-5 indictments are being issued. The source
feels that it will be towards the higher end.
2. The targets of indictment have already
received their letters.
3. The indictments will be sealed indictments
and "filed" tomorrow.
4. A press conference is being scheduled for
Thursday.
In other words, the sh*t is about to hit the fan. If Clemons' source is right about the indictments being sealed, then we may have to wait a little while longer to learn the whole story. If I remember correctly, all federal indictments are "sealed" until the individual is arrested, at which point they are usually unsealed. It's possible that this is all Clemons' source means. Occasionally, however, indictments remain sealed even after arrest if there is a compelling reason to do so. The only two reasons I can think of to keep the indictments under seal in this case are 1) if Fitzgerald plans to continue investigating and doesn't want potential targets to know what evidence he has gathered, or 2) if the indictments make reference to information that is still classified. Of those two, the second seems more likely to me. But then again, maybe the indictments will only be sealed until the individuals surrender themselves (or are arrested), at which point they will be unsealed and Fitzgerald will hold a press conference.
Either way, I think we should at least know the names of those who are indicted by Thursday.
UPDATE: Drudge is reporting that ABC News has two sources confirming that Libby has been indicted. [Drudge seems to have removed the link. Maybe this was bunk.]
posted by A.L. at 4:15 PM
2 Comments:
It seems that each individual indictment can contain multiple counts and defendants.
III. GRAND JURY, INDICTMENT, INFORMATION > Rule 8.
Rule 8. Joinder of Offenses or Defendants
(a) Joinder of Offenses.
The indictment or information may charge a defendant in separate counts with 2 or more offenses if the offenses charged -- whether felonies or misdemeanors or both -- are of the same or similar character, or are based on the same act or transaction, or are connected with or constitute parts of a common scheme or plan.
(b) Joinder of Defendants.
The indictment or information may charge 2 or more defendants if they are alleged to have participated in the same act or transaction, or in the same series of acts or transactions, constituting an offense or offenses. The defendants may be charged in one or more counts together or separately. All defendants need not be charged in each count.
Here is a link to more information on Federal Law.
Pollyusa
There's just way too much speculation going on -- it's fun to guess what's happening, but I'm beginning to think this could go on forever.
I would hate not knowing who was indicted, however, part of me would love to see Fitzgerald keep the indictments sealed, and then have a new grand jury convene. This would turn up the pressure on Rove and Libby (those 2 are my guesses for who's being indicted) to start plea bargaining, in order to go after "Top Officials" -- Cheney, or even Bush.
Ultimately, I think Cheney will be indicted, but I also think Fitz is going after George Tenet. What's outrageous and shocking, is that here's a guy who ran the CIA, and he most likely played a part in outing one of his own. I'm thinking Tenet resigned when he did because he saw Fitzgerald's writing on the wall, with promises from Bush for a full pardon when it comes time to pay the bill.
In my opinion, one of the difficulties (and there have been many, ie getting reporters to talk) for Fitz has been getting officials to fear "not getting pardoned" by the President. Is there a possibility of that? Well, it's not realistic to think this would drag out until 2009, but perhaps Fitz can con these guys into thinking they've pissed Bush off, and Bush may not want to pardon them?
Hmm, I don't know, but it's interesting to think about it!
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home