FBI agents conduct search chambers, home of judge

[Judi Lynn]

Jan. 16, 2004, 10:42PM

FBI agents conduct search chambers, home of judge
By JAMES PINKERTON
Copyright 2004 Houston ChronicleRio Grande Valley Bureau
HARLINGEN -- Teams of FBI agents from an anti-corruption task force searched the chambers and home of a well-known state district judge on Friday, surprising many in the Rio Grande Valley's legal community.

Employees arriving for work early Friday at the courtroom of 92nd District Court Judge Ed Aparicio in Edinburg were turned away, as squads of FBI agents began a daylong search of his chambers. At the same time, other agents were searching the judge's home in nearby Weslaco. (snip)

"Some artwork and pictures are missing, that's all we can tell. No case files," were removed, Kram said. (snip)

Aparicio, a former Houston attorney who took office in January 1997, has announced he will seek a third term and is on the ballot in the March Democratic primary. He did not go to work on Friday, and could not be reached for comment at his home. (snip)

"While acknowledging that law enforcement action was taken today at the (Hidalgo) county courthouse and at a residence in Weslaco, nothing more can be disclosed at this time," said a statement released by U.S. Attorney Michael Shelby. "Today's action is part of an on-going investigation. No charges have been filed and no conclusions should be drawn from today's action."

But many believe the timing of Friday's search will certainly affect Aparicio's bid for re-election, with early voting only five weeks away. (snip/...)


http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2358133

[Dover]

1. Is this a replay of what happened in PA.?

Again this FBI search just prior to an election?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Remember that Nixon wanted to use the FBI

for political purposes-looks like Rove learned his lessons well.