Libby Still at Large
Posted on | June 14, 2007
Convicted months ago in federal court of perjury and obstruction of justice, former Cheney chief of staff Lewis “Scooter” Libby didn’t actually have to go to jail. He’s been free until his appeal today, supposedly his last chance to avoid prison.
A Federal District Court Judge ruled that former White House Adviser I. Lewis ‘Scooter’ Libby must report to prison in 30 to 45 days, according to a breaking news report from MSNBC. Libby was sentenced last week to 30 months in prison after March convictions for perjury, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in an investigation of the leak of the identity of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson. He had sought to delay serving his sentence while his case was on appeal.
Libby may now file an emergency appeal to keep him out of prison while he makes his case against his conviction. The Judge ruled that he was not a flight risk or a danger to the community, and could self-report to prison.
You read that right. A judge finally ordered Libby to jail, but he still has a month or more to comply (when he feels like it), during which time his attorneys will no doubt file more emergency appeals.
Talk is already in the air of a presidential pardon, if Bush feels like endorsing Libby’s crimes. Libby’s lies did, after all, prevent the special prosecutor from uncovering his boss’ role in the outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame, and such loyalty is rewarded.
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