AP: Judge Allows Jefferson Probe to Continue

[Eugene]

Judge Allows Jefferson Probe to Continue

The Associated Press
Wednesday, July 19, 2006; 1:22 PM

WASHINGTON -- A federal judge said Wednesday that investigators could examine
documents seized in a search of Rep. William Jefferson's office, denying a request
to delay the bribery probe while the Louisiana Democrat appeals the judge's earlier
ruling that the search was legal.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan said granting the delay "would harm the
public's interest in a prompt and final outcome of the government's investigation
of serious crimes involving a sitting United States congressman running for re-election
in November."

<snip>

At issue is whether a review of the seized documents can begin by an FBI "filter team"
unconnected to the prosecution team looking into bribery allegations. Jefferson contends
no one in the executive branch of government should examine the documents until the
question of returning the material to Jefferson is resolved on appeal.

<snip>

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/19/AR2006071901044.html