In 2016, a DC nonprofit employee named Jarrett admitted a scheme to impersonate the chief of staff of Rep John Lewis.
According to his plea agreement, Jarrett created fake stationary with the Congressman’s name and Cannon House Office Bldg suite number.... but listed his own personal cell phone number
Jarrett’s scheme was to pretend to be Congressman Lewis’ chief of staff to get access to the sidelines of a Washington Redskins game and “special” access to the Clevelander bar on South Beach in Miami. It worked.
Jarrett got three years probation, but avoided prison. Federal judge even gave him a break on his probation restrictions to complete work trip to NYC.
In court filings, Jarrett’s attorney described a troubled upbringing in Detroit, in which he suffered but continually overcame obstacles. And made his way thru college. Always seeking something better
But Jarrett also admittted this big misstep. And the feds told a judge what Jarrett had done was potentially dangerous, though not intended to harm the Congressman.
When we reported this story... in 2016.... Rep Lewis’ office responded promptly and kindly. Didn’t take a shot at Jarrett ... expressed concern for Jarrett’s well-being. The kind of response you don’t typically get from govt officials.
FLASH: Judge rules James Comey criminal case is dismissed without prejudice. Judge determined the US Attorney Lindsey Halligan was not lawfully appointed
"All actions flowing from Ms. Halligan’s defective appointment, including securing and signing Mr. Comey’s indictment, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside."
From the judge: "The Attorney General’s authority to appoint an interim U.S. Attorney lasts for a total of 120 days from the date she first invokes section 546 after the departure of a Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney. If the position remains vacant at the end of the 120-day period, the exclusive authority to make further interim appointments under the statute shifts to the district court"
ALERT: James Comey files another motion to dismiss criminal case, citing issues with grand jury presentation by US Atty Lindsey Halligan
"The government has thus committed a series of flagrant legal violations. And the government’s misconduct has threatened Mr. Comey’s liberty—even though Mr. Comey should be experiencing the peace of an expired statute of limitations"
The new 29-page motion by James Comey to dismiss his criminal case includes this header:
"THE INDICTMENT SHOULD BE DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE BASED ON MISCONDUCT BEFORE THE GRAND JURY"
James Comey's new motion to dismiss (MORE): "A grand jury may indict only if at least 12 jurors concur.' But here, at least 12 jurors did not concur in the only indictment presented to the grand jury."
Three sources familiar with the matter tell CBS News federal investigators are questioning the handling of the investigation into California Senator Adam Schiff
(MORE)
Christine Bish, a California Republican who filed an initial tip w/ the feds about Schiff’s mortgage documentation, told CBS News she was questioned by federal agents today and was asked about Bill Pulte, the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency
(MORE)
Christine Bish characterized the interview to CBS News. She said, “They weren't asking me about Schiff. They were asking me about other people who were investigating Schiff."
NEW: James Comey files additional argument to get criminal case dismissed as "vindictive prosecution":
"The indictment in this case is unique in American history: it is the product of a yearslong campaign by the President of the United States to punish a citizen for protected speech. Mr. Comey has exercised his right to engage in public discourse critical of the President"
(MORE) James Comey's argument for dismissal of criminal case: "The President’s calls for prosecution do not rest on evidence, investigation, or recommendations. Rather, they express pure vengeful animus to punish a perceived political adversary. And the President managed to achieve his retaliatory goal only by installing a White House aide as U.S. Attorney"
(MORE) James Comey's new filing seeking dismissal of criminal case: "Not only does President Trump have the ultimate power to cause a prosecution, but the sequence of events that led to Mr. Comey’s prosecution leaves no doubt that he exercised that power here. After forcing out the incumbent United States Attorney, Erik Siebert, because of his reticence to bring this and other cases against the President’s perceived political enemies, the President posted on social media a message to the Attorney General excoriating her for failing to prosecute those enemies"
Good morning from the 6th floor of the DC federal courthouse... where it appears Sean Dunn (so-called "sandwich guy") will NOT testify in his own defense ....
HERE WE GO: Defense in "sandwich guy" case begins its presentation to court by....
asking the judge to dismiss the case "Judgment of acquittal" ... citing rule 29