What’s up with Trent Lott’s brother-in-law, Dickie Scruggs?; Update: Scruggs indicted
Update: Things get smellier and smellier. Scruggs indicted for bribing judge! It’s related to the Katrina revenge lawsuits spearheaded by retiring Sen. Lott:
Richard F. Scruggs, a prominent trial lawyer who has been fighting insurance companies over payments for damage from Hurricane Katrina, was indicted yesterday by federal authorities on charges of offering a bribe of $50,000 to a Mississippi state judge in a dispute over fees with another lawyer.
The indictment, filed in federal court in Oxford, Miss., Mr. Scruggs’s hometown, said that on behalf of Mr. Scruggs, a colleague met several times this year with State Judge Henry L. Lackey in his chambers in Calhoun County to propose and deliver the bribe in installments.
Mr. Scruggs’s son Zachary, who is a partner in the Scruggs Law Firm in Oxford, and Sidney A. Backstrom, another partner, were also indicted, as were Mr. Scruggs’s colleague, Timothy R. Balducci, a partner in the firm of Patterson & Balducci, and Steven A. Patterson, a staff member in the firm. Mr. Scruggs, his son and the others were all accused of conspiracy.
The indictment, signed by Jim M. Greenlee, a United States attorney, said Judge Lackey reported an attempt to bribe him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and cooperated with investigators as payments were made.
The indictment quoted from a conversation apparently tape-recorded in Judge Lackey’s chambers and from a phone conversation in which Mr. Balducci told a member of his firm, “All is done, all is handled and all went well.”
According to the indictment, Mr. Balducci had the phone conversation on Sept. 27 after handing over $20,000 in cash to Judge Lackey in his chambers. Immediately after meeting with the judge, the indictment said, Mr. Balducci went to the Scruggs Law Firm. The indictment also cited a phone conversation on Sept. 21 in which it said Mr. Balducci discussed the bribery transaction with Mr. Backstrom.
The Biloxi Sun-Herald has more.
***
The FBI searched the law offices of notorious plaintiffs’ attorney and tobacco shakedown artist Dickie Scruggs yesterday. He’s the brother-in-law of retiring Sen. Trent Lott. (Hat tip 0 Y’all Politics). What’s going on? Lott’s office says his resignation and the crackdown on Scruggs are mere “coincidence.” A lot of local political observers/bloggers seem to think otherwise.
The Insurance Coverage blog is all over the news. There’s background from David Rossmiller on a False Claims Act whistleblower lawsuit brought against Scruggs. He stands accused of “serious ethical improprieties” relating to Hurricane Katrina litigation against State Farm insurance. The charges involve use of stolen documents and direct communication with representatives of the opposing party.
Scruggs represented his brother-in-law, the retiring Sen. Trent Lott, in that revenge lawsuit.
There’s also a federal criminal contempt trial against Scruggs in Alabama. Here are Rossmiller’s observations:
The big news from yesterday, of course, was the FBI’s search of Dickie Scruggs’ law offices, and it remains today’s big news. This AP story said at least seven FBI agents and federal prosecutors searched the offices. This AP story in the Clarion Ledger said they began searching about 10:30 a.m. and were still there at 3 p.m. — they could have stayed longer, for all I know, but that is apparently about the time the story had to move across the wire.
What were they looking for? I don’t know, and no one else appears to know either, at least anyone outside the FBI and prosecutors, and they aren’t saying. Seldom have I had so many e-mails in an afternoon from readers, and usually some one is able to tell me some inside dope, but not in this instance. So if you know the good stuff, don’t be shy about letting me know.
One thing I noted in the media accounts I read was that Scruggs’ big time San Francisco criminal defense lawyer, John Keker, was not speaking for Scruggs on this matter. Keker, as you recall, is defending Scruggs against a charge of criminal contempt of court instigated by federal Judge William Acker relating to the Renfroe v. Rigsby document case in Alabama. This is smart — whether the search is related to that prosecution or not, why create the link in people’s minds? Instead of Keker, Mississippi trial attorney Joey Langston spoke for Scruggs. The story in the Clarion Ledger said that Langston is “representing the Scruggs firm but is not an employee there.” Ironically, the big Sun Herald story from yesterday, which contained extensive quotes from Langston, didn’t say anything about who he is.
Langston, according to his firm’s website, specializes in criminal defense, wrongful death and personal injury cases. According to this press release by Mississippians for Economic Progress, a group that opposed AG Jim Hood’s re-election, Langston, like Scruggs, is a big campaign contributor to Hood…
So, what’s the FBI looking for?
Langston told The Associated Press that the agents were looking for a single document that “might be ancillary to something pertaining to Katrina litigation,” but is not directly involved in any of those cases.
“Coincidence.”
Hmmm.
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Ch 3 in Memphis interviewed a doctor in Oxford, Ms about this last night and was asked about Scruggs. The doctor gave the “serial killer” response–”he’s such a nice guy. I can’t believe he would do anything illegal.”
Others thought that where there’s smoke-there’s fire.
Movie at 11.
Well, well, well. Now we know the real reason behind Lott’s resignation. Trying to save himself the embarassment of having to resign as a disgrace to the seat he held. No?
Fishes rot from the head first…and the entire DC school full all stink!
The FBI doesnt go out looking for a 1 ounce bag of weed, this guys in deep Kimchi (IMHO of course), as for Lott….we shall see. I wouldnt want to say how I really feel or certain Lawyers may accuse me of frying the guy before any evidence has been presented.
Do you still think Democrats are more sleezy than Republicans?
Yes and I’d like to nominate you for inclusion as well.
I guess if Michelle hadn’t reported on it she would be accused of some bias. You guys really need to get a life.
Yes.
Yes and still think Hippies smell also if your lame question was directed at me. You still live in a tree?
Yes. Topping my list of sleez right now is LGM!
First off – any correlation between Lott resigning & this incident is pure speculation at this point. There has been no linkage between the two – and until there is, I personally believe that Lott is resigning now to potentially get a lobbying position before the 2-year moratorium goes into effect January 1.
But that’s another matter – it’s legal – it’s his life – so what?
The bigger and more plainly obvious distinction, LGM, is that on a liberal site, you’d never see a story like this if it was related to a Democrat.
Michelle, a conservative, is not afraid to put up a story that raises questions about a Republican.
Everyone knows that Washington is full of hypocrites. The difference is that we conservatives know it comes from both sides of the aisle – whereas most liberals are afraid to point the finger at themselves as well.
I’ll wait for more concrete evidence linking Lott’s resignation to any shenanigans by his brother-in-law. And if it comes – I’ll gladly say DLTDHYOTWO.
lgm is always trying to stir the fudge but he/she s*#ts and falls back in it.
Lately it seems that the libs on these boards are taking there cues from the MSM: Drive-by – hit – run.
LGM is notorious for it. Others will at least engage in some type of debate.
LOL 30. I just emailed AJ about the same thing. At least make a point and let’s have a debate.
Would it not be cool to have “buh-bye” powers. Just a small button at the bottom of the page. Then, when some troll, in this case L-agre G-iant M-oby, snipes and leaves, we could use our powers to get him banned.
A man can dream…
I would suggest we all at this point accept “it is coincidence”. None of us here know enough of the details to try and convict him on something his brother-in-law is involved in. I agree that where there is smoke, there is USUALLY fire – but I know I certainly don’t want to be convicted based on anything my relatives have done. And fwiw – my opinion of Senator Lott is very low already and am thrilled he’s stepping down, but at this point, I’m willing to let it be coincidence. I may (soon even), move from coincidence to cause and effect – but not yet.
Top donations from deceased donors between 1999 – 2007.
Guess who tops the list?
Recipient_______________ Amount
Democratic National Committee $224,516
Republican National Committee $93,143
Take a look at the top 30 list here
The number of Democrats / Dem Organizations receiving ‘Dead-man’s Money’ clearly out-paces the Republicans.
Dang jrl, maybe we should get Elvis on our side….
I agree Soap! Oh to dream…
The Republicans sure could use a ‘hunka-hunka burnin love’ at some point – they won’t get it from the Media…
The way things are going their all going to be doing the Jail House Rock
Damn, Soap. You’ve been on a threat of banning crusade the past couple of weeks.
LGM is doing a schtick, kinda like Garyt and his evil twin Southern Boy. RM will take care of any knuckleheaded behavior….eventually. What happen to I G N O R E H I M?
What sneering loser trolls like lgm don’t appreciate is that the Stupid Party generally expels and punishes their sleazy operators while the Dems elevate and idolize their crooks. Some comparisons:
Mark Foley: Send tawdry IMs to a teenage boy; gets run out of office.
Gary Studds: Actually has sex with teenage boy; serves at his leisure and is praised. (See also: Barney Frank’s prostitute boyfriend)
Trent Lott: Says something a little racially insensitive at Strom Thurmond’s birthday party; loses Senate position.
Robert Byrd: Recruits people for the Ku Klux Klan to oppress and kill blacks; is considered the wisest man in the Senate.
Bob Packwood: Allegedly kissed women against their will; disgraced.
Ted Kennedy: Let a woman drown while he fled the scene of the accident and got his story and legal council together; the elder statesman of the Senate. (Wingman Chris Dodd is currently running for President, too.)
Yeah, the Stupid Party has their share of sleaze bags, but you have to admit that not many people die in their petty scandals.
More Foggy Bottom feeders! The Potomic is polluted.
jrlingreenbay said (#10):
Here’s coverage of Jefferson and Murtha.
The larger point is that Lott became corrupt in the mind of MM (I’m a mind reader, like most conservative bloggers) only when he made negative comments about conservative bloggers. Otherwise, he (like Tom DeLay) would be clean as the driven snow.
Buck I
So, what’s your point? You think I am the only one who is sick to death of posters who come here and do not even make a point – let alone a point ON TOPIC! Do you keep track of lgm’s posts? Southernboys?
I have a dream that posters here want to debate the topic. Trolls add nothing. Mostly, they come in, insult Michelle, say something stupid and leave. YES, maybe I am on a mission. This is the best blog on the net and I personally would like to see it improve.
P.S. I know you are on the flip side of a lot of threads. I admire your input even if it goes against my grain. You opinions are well informed and thought out. I enjoy watching a debate unfold when you post.
Oh, look. Right above my post. LGM going after Michelle again.
Glad to see I do not have to prove my point.
Yes,
Latley? they have been doing it for years. That’s all their little mind’s can retain. All they can do is regergitate MSM’s and Liberal talking point’s, ask any question on politics and I guarantee the answer is predictable.
Oh, Buck I. Hello?
LGM – is that the same Jefferson who got a standing ovation from his fellow congressman AFTER the money was found in his freezer?
And is this the same Murtha who the left has thrown out to the cameras time and time again as “Mr. Knowledgeable” on military affairs due to his military service and poo-poohs all talk about his scandalous past? The same man who condemned our Marines and the left fell in line behind him – and now refuses to apologize for his comments?
Point is – they’re still serving – right?
Lott is leaving – Delay is gone.
Bush is not running –
The liberals / democrats are like a bad neighbor I had a while back…. While the rest of the neighborhood threw their trash out – this guy let it pile up in his yard… THAT’S the Democratic party.
It would help if we all acknowledged that all politicians are inherently opportunists, distributed along the usual bell curve. IMO, there might be a score of people in all of Washington who do nothing more than act for the common good; the rest of the politcal oligarchy should be watched very carefully.
Nowhere is it a secret that the Republican party is damaged and needs to return to basic principles. Trent Lott is a sterling example of what is wrong with the Party. It is far more important that the Republicans clean their house first in order to restore faith. Corruption in the Democrat party is a tool to be used against them.
I’m not married to the Republican party. If the party won’t return to first principles, then they can go pound sand as far as I’m concerned. The departure of Trent Lott is a good sign and a good start.
The FBI are looking for “Escaped Goat.”
Hey lgm, if you are truly concerned about corruption in D.C. will you support a constitutional amendment for term limits?
I’m going to misquote Lord Acton here:
“Power corrupts, un-termlimited power corrupts without limits.”
The only person that lgm can really talk smack about in the GOP is my worthless lying crapweasel Senator “Happy Feet” Craig who is illegally holding his seat, which he promised to vacate on 1 Oct 07. Normally conservatives shame and remove those whom abuse the publics trust liberals tend to lionize them. Trent don’t let the Senate Chamber doors hit you on the buttock on the way out, you will not be missed, but hopefully you will be indicted.
In regards to the democRATS voting record, here’s a quote from a fellow poster:
“Let’s not be so judgmental. After all, all those dead Democratic voters should have a fair chance at health insurance. They need to at least be healthy enough to cast their votes. Objections to this practice smack of blatant discrimination against the deceased. If we can propose to cover families not in need under government-sponsored health care, we cannot ignore the needs of those who have departed this world in body but not in voting. The interred dems maintain an interest in the country post mortem, as evidenced by the exercise of their voting rights from the great beyond. Deceased republicans, on the other hand, do not show the same degree of dedication and interest in this great nation, remaining silent in the electoral process. We need to reward citizens that reach out from the grave to cast their vote. These departed dems need a health care plan that provides for their needs. And it is a need. Their present employer does not see fit to offer any kind of plan providing for their comfort and welfare, claiming it defeats the whole purpose of the existence of Hades.”
Also, it is about time Tren Lott departs…don’t let the door hit your gluteus maximus!!!!
Rio
Semper Fi!
Hey Soap
I do have to work you know. Sorry.
I agree with your points. I was just teasin.
Thanks for the props, right back at ya. Really, thanks for respecting my “takes” even thought they usually conflict with yours.
Alright, no more cheeziness. Conservatives have been fed up with Lott for a while, even before the Strom Thurmond thing. They didn’t back him for a reason, and now the dissatisfaction continues as he leaves office.
No sense jumping to conclusions on the brother-in-law situation, w/o proof that Lott was involved. Many people don’t know what the hell most of their family members are up to, me included.
Well, this is all speculation, true and it may just be an innocent coincidence, but I am skeptical. After the shamnesty debacle, I am glad Trent is gone.
The great beast has one thing right, let us clean up the Republican side get these bums out. However, I doubt using the ‘culture of corruption’ chant against the dems will get any where. They seem to like their representatives to be as corrupt as possible, after all they are the ‘tolerant’ party. It would be nice if the Dems would get fed up and vote their corrupt pols out, but they won’t.
Term Limits, please, we must have term limits.
This whole thing is right out of the John Grisham novel “The Summons”. The FBI can gather all the evidence that it wants. The government will never get a conviction in Mississippi. The defense will play it up big as us good ole boys up against the city slickers from Washington, D.C. who don’t understand the way things are done down here. That tactic saved Carter budget director Bert Lance’s hide about 25 years ago. It works every time. Even with Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards, it took about 3 trials before he was convicted of anything.
I think I’m most impressed that the Judge turned him in!