A federal judge is considering dismissing Sen. Ted Stevens’s criminal case after government prosecutors violated a court order to turn over critical evidence to the Alaska Republican’s defense team.
In a stunning beginning to a critical day in the trial, Judge Emmet G. Sullivan erupted at the Justice Department for waiting until just before midnight Wednesday to disclose FBI notes discussing Stevens’s intent to pay for gifts that are at the center of his criminal trial.
“Why shouldn’t I dismiss the indictment?” Sullivan fumed. “It strikes me this is probably intentional.”
The judge said the two parties need to submit briefs to the court Thursday afternoon, and scheduled a 4:30 p.m. hearing to determine whether to dismiss the case.
But there is some hope:
But Sullivan seemed to be leaning more towards imposing “lesser sanctions,” like delaying the trial until the government provides all redacted FBI notes to the defense.
Let’s hope so. The Feds may have crumbed the play here, which would be very bad news for Mark Begich.
I know that having this case dismiss can only help Stevens, but Begich is a solid candidate that will appeal to the electorate of Alaska. I wouldn’t be surprised if Begich still wins with Stevens off the hook. Stevens looks like he’s aged 10 years in the last few months. He looks feeble, and that doesn’t play good with the cameras.
Any chance the Bush Justice Department is trying to blow this one? I certainly wouldn’t put it past them.
None the less, Stevens has been shown to be ethically challenged, and Begich is a strong candidate. Still a reasonable shot at a takeover here.
…but I feel like the people of Alaska are waiting for ANY excuse, no matter HOW horrendous, to justify voting for Stevens despite his ethical misconduct. My big fear is that a dismissal of his case will more than assuage their guilt, and as a result, Washington will get to keep one of its most corrupt.