U.S. Investigates Whether Lott Had Role in Mississippi Judge Case

[babylonsister]

U.S. Investigates Whether Lott Had Role in Mississippi Judge Case

Federal Inquiry Examines Former Senator's Links
To a Scruggs Suit Ruling
By PAULO PRADA and ASHBY JONES
February 21, 2008; Page A3


Federal agents are investigating whether former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott knowingly played a role in an alleged conspiracy in 2006 to influence a Mississippi judge presiding over a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against famed plaintiff attorney Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, according to people familiar with the situation.

Mr. Scruggs and several associates are scheduled to stand trial March 31 on charges that they offered $40,000 in bribes to State Court Judge Henry L. Lackey in return for a favorable ruling in a lawsuit against Mr. Scruggs over $26.5 million in legal fees.

• The News: Federal agents are investigating whether former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott played a role in an alleged attempt to bribe a Mississippi judge in 2006.

• The Call: Mr. Lott, brother-in-law of indicted plaintiffs lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, called the judge after associates of Mr. Scruggs discovered the judge desired a federal judgeship.

• The Resignation: Mr. Lott announced his Senate resignation two days before Mr. Scruggs's indictment. Aides to Mr. Lott have denied a link between the two events.

Mr. Lott, who is a brother-in-law to Mr. Scruggs, unexpectedly announced his resignation from the Senate two days before Mr. Scruggs was indicted last November. Since then, Mr. Lott has been interviewed by federal agents at least once, according to a person familiar with the case.

more...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120356712344082469.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[flashl]

1. What took them so long? nt

[Gman]

2. Why does it seem so natural that

Lott would have a brother-in-law named Dickie Scruggs. I can just see them with one foot propped up on the back bumper of a pickup, beer in hand, hound dogs sniffing around...

[babylonsister]

3. Where did 'Deliverance' happen? That's what I visualize. nt