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RAYMONDVILLE — A Texas judge has set a Friday arraignment for Vice President Dick Cheney, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and others named in indictments accusing them of responsibility for prisoner abuse in a federal detention center.
Cheney, Gonzales and the others will not be arrested, and do not need to appear in person at the arraignment, Presiding Judge Manuel Banales said.
In the latest bizarre development in the case, the lame-duck prosecutor who won the indictments was a no-show in court Wednesday. The judge ordered Texas Rangers to go to Willacy County District Attorney Juan Guerra's house, check on his well-being and order him to court on Friday.
Half of the eight high-profile indictments returned Monday by a Willacy County grand jury are tied to privately run federal detention centers in the sparsely populated South Texas county. The other half target judges and special prosecutors who played a role in an earlier investigation of Guerra.
One indictment charges Cheney and Gonzales with engaging in organized criminal activity. It alleges that the men neglected federal prisoners and are responsible for assaults in the facilities.
The grand jury accused Cheney of a conflict of interest because of his influence over the county's federal immigrant detention center and his substantial holdings in the Vanguard Group, which invests in private prison companies.
The indictment accuses Gonzales of stopping an investigation into abuses at the federal detention center.
An attorney for the private prison operator The GEO Group filed motions accusing Guerra of "prosecutorial vindictiveness."
One motion said Guerra had hijacked "the grand jury process and disregarded the requirements of the Code of Criminal Procedure designed to protect defendants' due process rights."
Some attorneys argued that Banales may not have the authority to schedule an arraignment because the indictments were invalid. One lawyer said Guerra never should have been allowed to present the cases to the grand jury because at least four of the indictments deal with people who had some role in the investigation of his office last year.
"He is the witness, the victim and the prosecutor," said the attorney for Mervyn Mosbacker Jr., a former U.S. attorney who was appointed special prosecutor to investigate Guerra.
District Clerk Gilbert Lozano, District judges Janet Leal and Migdalia Lopez, and special prosecutors Mosbacker and Gustavo Garza, a longtime political opponent of Guerra, were all indicted on charges of official abuse of official capacity and official oppression.
The grand jury tied all of their charges to an earlier investigation of Guerra's office.
Banales dismissed an indictment against Guerra last month charging him with extorting money from a bail bond company and using his office for personal business. An appeals court had earlier ruled that a special prosecutor was improperly appointed to investigate Guerra.
After Guerra's office was raided as part of the investigation early last year, he camped outside the courthouse in a borrowed camper with a horse, three goats and a rooster. He threatened to dismiss hundreds of cases because he believed local law enforcement had aided the investigation against him.
Guerra has been in office nearly 20 years, but was defeated in the March Democratic primary.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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- Christopher Sherman's Column, All of Newsvine
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- Regions: United States , Harlingen/Weslaco/Brownsville/Mcallen
 | Cheney, Gonzales indictment in Texas moves ahead | Thu Nov 20 | 2 | |
| Arraignment set for Cheney, Gonzales in Texas - | Yahoo! News | Wed Nov 19 | 4 |
| Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales indicted in S. Texas | The Houston Chronicle | Wed Nov 19 | 0 |
| Grand Jury Indicts Vice President Dick Cheney | newschannel5.tv | Tue Nov 18 | 2 |
| The Texas DA That Got Cheney and Gonzales Indicted Has Gone Missing. | The San Antonio Express-News | Thu Nov 20 | 158 |
- Public Discussion (30)
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6.1
1.6
{"commentId":4118498,"authorDomain":"joeesposito"}
gotta get them on something right?
{"commentId":4118498,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"joeesposito"}
- 2 votes
#1 - Tue Nov 18, 2008 9:59 PM EST{"commentId":4148240,"authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
You are all a bunch of idiots! What a hoot! What a boon doggle!
What a baselss charge against Cheney. Sure hope you don't hold common stock in a company that is tanking right now -- we'll charge you and book you, if this farce ever finds merit. LOL
{"commentId":4148240,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
{"commentId":4149043,"authorDomain":"barbara474"}
West: "You are all a bunch of idiots!" Perhaps there is a more effective means of making a point than a COH violation.
{"commentId":4149043,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"barbara474"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4180720,"authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
Well, do enlighten us..................
{"commentId":4180720,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
{"commentId":4118812,"authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
Gonzales' attorney said "...he hoped Texas authorities would take steps to stop "this abuse of the criminal justice system."
It sounds to me like a Texas authority IS taking steps to stop "this abuse of the criminal justice system" by shining a light into this severely misguided idea of private prisons. If Dick Cheney is invested in these things--I don't care how peripheral his holdings are-- he is absolutely engaged in a conflict of interest. As president of the senate, he may have the power to vote on laws that would increase the flow of prisoners into these jails, thereby making him a profit.
It is my understanding that judges as high as the Supreme Court will recuse themselves from any case where they have ANY investments on either side. That includes holdings as part of mutual funds, which is unimaginably tedious. But still, zero tolerance for conflict of interest. If this allegation about Cheney is true, it is in fact much worse, it is abuse of power.
God, it just NEVER ends with these guys, does it?
{"commentId":4118812,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
- 1 vote
#2 - Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:31 PM EST{"commentId":4118986,"authorDomain":"aperspective"}
We probably would be horrified into catatonic stupor if we knew everything about Richard Cheney...
What we DO know is enough to --- cause mental fracture....
{"commentId":4118986,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"aperspective"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4126387,"authorDomain":"dixiedi"}
If Dick Cheney is invested in these things--I don't care how peripheral his holdings are-- he is absolutely engaged in a conflict of interest. As president of the senate, he may have the power to vote on laws that would increase the flow of prisoners into these jails, thereby making him a profit.
And he could have chosen to be absent, vote present, stand aside or whatever. You are making assumptions and only in the negative. The assumptions could just as easily be made on the positive side too. Oh but you would never think that possible of a Republican would you.
I know, it is your opinion and you are entitled to it, even if you are wrong.
{"commentId":4126387,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"dixiedi"}
{"commentId":4131886,"authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
How bout this dixiedi: I'm REGISTERED republican.
I can still loathe thievery.
Oh, and about this:
And he could have chosen to be absent, vote present, stand aside or whatever
The president of the senate only votes in a tie. And in that event, he doesn't have the option of voting present or standing aside. He's not a Senator, he's the vice-president. The point of the matter is that conflict of interest is conflict of interest, irrespective of a vote for or against your interest. This isn't politics, it's law.
{"commentId":4131886,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":4138577,"authorDomain":"dixiedi"}
Yes, I know that about how and when the VP votes; and if there is a conflict of interest it would set a new standard wouldn't it? He would have to do as I suggested and not vote. Just because it has not happened before does not mean it could or would never happen.
I suspect it would create a big mess but I would be very surprised if no other VP came to office with no investments that could have been a problem. The operative word is COULD. Apparently it hasn't happened yet, but it will sometime and the only way to deal with it is for the VP to not make that vote. Just like anything that failed it would have to start over and over and maybe over again until the Senate came up with a vote that did not require the VP's vote.
Judges have the luxury of knowing there is always another judge. VPs don't have that luxury. Does that mean they should dump all of their investments or never make another investment because there could be a problem?
{"commentId":4138577,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"dixiedi"}
{"commentId":4148762,"authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
check your portfolio, or you company's portfolio........oops, you're about to be charged as well :)
{"commentId":4148762,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
{"commentId":4148973,"authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
Lucky me, I sold all of mine when all of the idiots pushed the market to 14,000.
As far as Cheney goes, there's a whole lot more than a vote involved. He's taken the position of the President's number one (though unofficial) advisor. He and his lawyer David Addington have been intimately involved in the creation of these for-profit DHS detention centers. Now, I'm certainly a realist, and I know that nothing like this ever makes time in a courtroom. But ethics? This is evil.
{"commentId":4148973,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4180751,"authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
Intimately involved? So you know Cheny real well I take it. As you do, surely you have more to offer? Do you know where Juan Guerra was hiding? Do you know how he's being laughed at in Raymondivlle? Have you talked to jurors who's had the trying experience of serving under Juan Guerra -- had to answer his way out of the pale phone calls? Didn't think so -- this whole thing is a lot of BS.
{"commentId":4180751,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
{"commentId":4119128,"authorDomain":"anrkist"}
Heard about this on the local Houston news hours ago... I was unable to find much on it. I'll assume that it means nothing due to the fact no major media has picked up on it.
{"commentId":4119128,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"anrkist"}
#3 - Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:05 PM EST{"commentId":4119613,"authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
???? AP isn't major media????
{"commentId":4119613,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4119697,"authorDomain":"kelvins273"}
I believe Fox News is complaining about this. Or at least Bill O'Reilly is. It sounds like pretty thin grounds for a prosecution to me, but then I'm not a lawyer. I mean, I'd think it would be hard to indict somebody for the actions of their employees unless there's a memo somewhere authorizing inmate beatings.
{"commentId":4119697,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"kelvins273"}
{"commentId":4119819,"authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
Oh it's thin and only misdemeanors but it's a start and just something to get under their skin.
{"commentId":4119819,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4120012,"authorDomain":"anrkist"}
Just skimmed CNN again... I see Holloway is on the front page again.
As for the AP... it's anyone in the press to my knowledge, am I wrong? I didn't realize it was a singular group. I thought it was anyone with a press badge.
{"commentId":4120012,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"anrkist"}
{"commentId":4120076,"authorDomain":"antigone2"}
Okay. I am "coming out of the closet" here. What follows is a link to my picture which was taken when Gonzales came to Boise. I am the almost invisible person who is farthest to the left ( HA! No pun intended. Really!) in the picture. I was sort of kneeling on my walker because it was VERY hot and I couldn't stand up. Someone gave me a ride home, thank heaven.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0dbTfRKdY4amy
I hope this actually works. Maybe.
I guess if the Secret Service still has all the pictures they were OPENLY taking that day, that I am not risking too much by posting it here!
All of my Newsvine friends will get to see what I look like at my worst if they are actually watching my posts. What a treat!
Funny, I don't LOOK Jewish, do I?
{"commentId":4120076,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"antigone2"}
#4 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:19 AM EST{"commentId":4122311,"authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
Dang shadows really obscurring you. Grats on coming out of the closest though, those looking for justice in this matter need as much support as they can get. Thank you for yours.
You look pretty American to me though.
{"commentId":4122311,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
{"commentId":4121934,"authorDomain":"PeaceTalk"}
I'll assume that it means nothing due to the fact no major media has picked up on it.
So if I understand you correctly it's only real news or has meaning if one of the bought and paid for mainstream media outlets says so?
This has to be one of the most disheartening things I have ever heard an American say.
Maybe it would help for you to understand that ALL mainstream media is owned buy 1 of 5 companies.
You should also know that mainstream media outlets have also admitted to putting incomplete, inaccurate or completely false information in the news for profit.
I hope for all our sakes that you and people like you (so trustful of the mainstream) start seeking alternative information sources.
Maybe start looking to the source of the information, instead of waiting for the FIXED NEWS to regurgitate a palatable version for you.
{"commentId":4121934,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"PeaceTalk"}
- 2 votes
#5 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:23 AM EST{"commentId":4122102,"authorDomain":"sherrywritepro"}
HOOOORAY! These hoodlums think they are above the law. It is time to show them they are NOT. Watch Cheney flee to Halliburton headquarters in Dubai ( where there's no extradition) if things get tough.
{"commentId":4122102,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"sherrywritepro"}
#6 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:35 AM EST{"commentId":4122346,"authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
I'd like to see him flee but I don't think he'll run to hard from this one but I am sure it's pissed him off to some degree and that alone makes me happy.
{"commentId":4122346,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"JaRagga"}
{"commentId":4124170,"authorDomain":"bobji66"}
When you see a politician with his hands in his own pockets, you know it's cold.
Jim
{"commentId":4124170,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"bobji66"}
#7 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:47 AM EST{"commentId":4134945,"authorDomain":"barbara474"}
I don't care what they get them on. Just get them.
{"commentId":4134945,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"barbara474"}
#8 - Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:02 AM EST{"commentId":4138708,"authorDomain":"dixiedi"}
Why? Can you tell me specifically why you would like to see these men found guilty in a court of law?
You sound like a vigilante gone haywire. "Just get somebody because ... and we must punish somebody for it."
Should everyone who owns stock in any company that has or has possibly done something wrong be held liable?
{"commentId":4138708,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"dixiedi"}
{"commentId":4139035,"authorDomain":"barbara474"}
"You sound like a vigilante gone haywire" and you madam should read the COH.
{"commentId":4139035,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"barbara474"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4148255,"authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
ROFL.............and check your portfolio, maybe you're culpable as well..........
{"commentId":4148255,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
{"commentId":4149127,"authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
West,
I think the point of all of this (the conflict of interest part, not the other junk) is that this is a person who has the power to make policy (and does so) and is profiting from those policies. I know, it goes on everyday. But that's not to say it's not wrong.
Now, the part about being somehow guilty of assault because he owns stock--ridiculous. But don't you agree that a government official profiting from government contracts is shady? It's worth noting that, upon becoming VP, he relinquished a significant amount of holdings (Haliburton) and put other proceeds in to escrow to be paid to charity. Why not this fund? If it was merely overlooked, it's forgivable. But personally, I don't believe Cheney makes mistakes.
{"commentId":4149127,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"mcrutchfield"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4180906,"authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
Newsvine is doing a good job of erasing controversial comments, unless of course my IBM think pad has sudden severe problems. This comment will be copied for subsequent paste.
If this posts, People, do think about Pelosi, third in line for the Presidency, stockholder in AIG, and ramrod for the bailout, which the dems wanted, but had to have Repubs on board so they wouldn't take the heat all by themselves. ( You do know that AIG is benefitting from the bailout? Hope so, stay on top of things!)
Stupid argument here. Call some Willacy county jurors, find out yourself how Juan Guerra conducts county business. . . . they are all laughing their axx's off at how naive the world is to local politics. But, hey, maybe that donkey Juan was having a few days of quiet with . . . . made the corrupt Juan Guerra a happy camper :). ROFL
{"commentId":4180906,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"Westawhile"}
{"commentId":4150847,"authorDomain":"millsapril"}
Here we have one set of bad (greed)
The grand jury accused Cheney of a conflict of interest because of his influence over the county's federal immigrant detention center and his substantial holdings in the Vanguard Group, which invests in private prison companies.
...and this one is just as bad.... (official misconduct)
District Clerk Gilbert Lozano, District judges Janet Leal and Migdalia Lopez, and special prosecutors Mosbacker and Gustavo Garza, a longtime political opponent of Guerra, were all indicted on charges of official abuse of official capacity and official oppression.
The grand jury tied all of their charges to an earlier investigation of Guerra's office.
Banales dismissed an indictment against Guerra last month charging him with extorting money from a bail bond company and using his office for personal business. An appeals court had earlier ruled that a special prosecutor was improperly appointed to investigate Guerra.
So the bad guys are actually fighting each other.... there are bad guys on both sides of the fence and it's our responsibility to keep them reigned in.
The real issue folks, is how to return the power and oversight of funds to the American people.
I don't have the answers... but it seems that if a company (private prison) can make a profit for a corporation, why can't it be a government institution that makes money for our government?
I don't understand why we can't run public institutions and make money for our own coffers.
Really, there's no way to stop a public official from making laws that will affect their investments as the major corporations are pretty much omnipresent.
So what do we do to fix this?
{"commentId":4150847,"threadId":"422888","contentId":"2126452","authorDomain":"millsapril"}
#9 - Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:27 AM EST{"canLink":false,"threadId":"422888","isPrivate":false}
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