Word: smaltz
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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WASHINGTON, D.C.: Donald Smaltz got what he came for ? a 39-count indictment of ex-Clinton cabinet member Mike Espy, for open-palming agribusiness lobbyists and then trying to cover his tracks. But at a cost of three years and over $9 million, was the witchhunt worth America's time...
...positive side, Smaltz secured convictions against three companies, five people and one law firm, resulting in $3.5 million in fines thus far. But that leaves a $5.5 million shortfall. A scandal in the order of Iran-Contra might be worth that much, but what about Espy's estimated $35,000 in trips, luggage and football tickets...
...TIME Washington correspondent Viveca Novak says Smaltz will have to win big in the courtroom ? that is, get the majority of his 39 indictments to stick. And that's a far-from-certain prospect. "This will be a D.C. trial, with a D.C. jury. They've got a very healthy skepticism of independent prosecutors," says Novak...
WASHINGTON: The exhaustive investigation into former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy has been an embarrassment for Janet Reno in both its aggressive methods and its distinct lack of results. But after almost three years and untold millions of dollars, independent counsel Donald Smaltz has finally netted the big one: an indictment of Espy himself for 39 counts of illegally soliciting and accepting gifts, trips, sports tickets, and other favors totaling $35,000 ? from companies over which he, as USDA head, had regulatory power...
...Espy allegedly ordered a USDA employee to delete references to Tyson Foods, his girlfriend, and the game when his travel itinerary for that day was requested by the USDA's inspector general. Espy could get ten years for that tap-dance alone. At a press conference today, the tenacious Smaltz said he's not done yet. He may want to quit while he's ahead...