Text 15868, 59 rader
Skriven 2005-10-06 19:33:00 av Jeff Binkley (1:226/600)
Ärende: Delay
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http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/10/06/other_jury_decline
d_to_indict_delay?mode=PF

Other jury declined to indict DeLay
Texas prosecutor described as angry
By Larry Margasak and Suzanne Gamboa, Associated Press  |  October 6, 
2005

WASHINGTON -- A Texas prosecutor tried to convince a grand jury that 
Representative Tom DeLay gave tacit approval to a series of laundered 
campaign contributions, and when jurors declined to indict, he became 
angry, according to two people directly familiar with the proceeding.

The grand jury was one of three that considered whether there was 
probable cause to indict DeLay. Two other grand juries did indict the 
former House majority leader, who had to step aside temporarily under 
Republican rules.

Both indictments focused on an alleged scheme to provide corporate 
political donations to Texas legislative candidates in violation of 
state law.

The two people interviewed, who commented anonymously because of grand 
jury secrecy, said Travis County prosecutor Ronnie Earle became visibly 
angry when the grand jurors last week signed a document declining to 
indict, known as a ''no bill."

One person said the sole evidence Earle presented was a DeLay interview 
with the prosecutor, in which DeLay said he was generally aware of 
activities of his associates. He is charged in an alleged money- 
laundering scheme to funnel corporate donations to Texas legislative 
candidates in violation of state law.

The person said that Earle tried to convince the jurors that if DeLay 
''didn't say 'Stop it,' he gave his tacit approval."

After the grand jurors declined to go forward, the mood ''was 
unpleasant," the other person said, describing Earle's reaction.

DeLay and political aides Jim Ellis and John Colyandro were indicted 
last week by another grand jury, accused of criminal conspiracy to 
violate Texas election laws.

After the second grand jury declined to indict, a third grand jury 
brought money laundering charges against DeLay on Monday.

Dick DeGuerin, attorney for DeLay, sought to have the original 
conspiracy charge dismissed Monday by arguing in a court filing that 
contended the indictment was based on a law that the Legislature changed 
in 2003. The original indictment alleges that the illegal acts date to 
2002.

Earle said late Tuesday that he sought the second indictment of DeLay on 
Monday because he became aware of additional evidence.



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