I'm confused. Is there a reason to seal the indictments?

[auburngrad82]

I mean a valid one? This has been news for two years and it seems pretty obvious that the top secret information, which was that Ms Plame was a CIA operative, has already been given up by the Bush administration. What possible reason can there be to seal the indictments?

[jsamuel]

1. I suppose if they have more investigating to do on a person or persons...

they might not want to alert them that they are going to be targets. For example, if they want to investigate the forgery of the Niger Docs, they might not want to indict someone for the Plame case because they might also be involved in the forgeries.

Just a guess.

[Kagemusha]

2. A hardball inducement to make a deal and "come to Jesus"

or so I've heard.

[leveymg]

3. They're a sign the investigation continues.

Don't let the sealed indictments spook you. They are common in cases where there's still an ongoing investigation. I read today from a reliable source that while as many as five indictments have been signed -- each of which are likely to have multiple counts and name several defendants -- Fitz went to the Chief Judge seeking an extension of the GJ. That means that he intends to widen the scope of the prosecution.

That's a very good thing, indeed, as it promises a thorough housecleaning.

Merrily yours - M

[MADem]

4. Of course!!!

Here's the scenario: you charge some crumb bum with all sorts of crimes, that carry a sentence so long that they will not see the light of day for many, many years. You then tell the bum, or his lawyer, what he is looking at. Sure, the guy can be cavalier, and maybe count on a pardon from the monkey, but in the meantime he is looking at some massively hefty legal fees, a loss of income due to being under indictment, and the relentless scruitiny of the press--his background will be dug up, his family will go under a microscope, all sorts of "private" stuff will find its way into the public discourse.

The alternative scenario is for the indictee to FLIP, and stay out of the public eye. He flips, he gives up everything he knows, spills his guts, and he either ends up listed as an unindicted co-consipirator, or no charges at all are preferred against him.

The sealing of the indictment gives Fitz and the bum time to play "let's make a deal." Also, sealing an indictment keeps the name a secret, so people cannot make assumptions about the direction of the investigation.

[auburngrad82]

5. Next question. If they indictments are sealed how do we know who

is indicted and for what? Or do we?

[MADem]

6. We don't....UNLESS....

the indictee, and his lawyer, agree to let the info leak out, perhaps for their own political or self-preservation purposes.

If you are, say, afraid of being whacked, you might let it out and note that you fear for your life. That would tend to make anyone who wanted to push you in the path of a metro train a bit less likely to move against you. Of course, that sort of thing would NEVER happen here in 'Murica....!!!!