Libby indicted

So much for my bold predictions.  Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has brought charges of obstruction of justice, lying to the grand jury, and perjury.  This is a Martha Stewart replay.  Libby couldn't be indicted for the crime of revealing the identity of a covert agent.  If the Special Prosecutor could have indicted him for that crime, he would have.  Libby testified for hours and turned over every document that was requested, and he's charged with obstruction of justice, lying, and perjury over what appears to be the investigation of a non crime. 

Here is the statement of his lawyer, Joseph A. Tate.

Mr. Libby and I are very dismayed that the Special Prosecutor has decided to pursue charges against Mr. Libby.  This case began because of concerns that someone intentionally and knowingly revealed the identity of a covert agent.  The Special Prosecutor has concluded that Mr. Libby did not violate this law.

Instead the Special Counsel has chosen to bring charges against Mr. Libby for making purported false statements to the grand jury.  Those same statements, he contends, make out a charge of impeding the administration of the grand jury investigation.  To say we are disappointed is an understatement.  Mr. Libby testified to the best of his honest recollections on all occasions.  Mr. Libby cooperated fully with this investigation.  Mr. Libby agreed to two extensive interviews with the FBI and to appear before the grand jury on two occasions.  In addition, he produced voluminous documents to the Special Counsel.  Not only did he waive his Fifth Amendment privilege but also executed the waiver to permit reporters to testify as to their conversations with him.  For that reason we are surprised at this turn of events.

We are quite distressed to learn the Special Counsel has sought to pursue alleged inconsistencies in Mr. Libby's recollections and those of others and to charge such inconsistencies as false statements.  As lawyers we recognize that a person's recollection and memory of events will not always match those of other people, particularly when they are asked to testify months after those events occurred.  This is especially true in the hectic rush of issues and events at a busy time for out government.  Accordingly, we will defend vigorously against these charges.

For five years through difficult times Mr. Libby has done his best to serve our country.  To his regret he can no longer do this under the current circumstances.  He is enormously grateful to the President and the Vice President for the opportunity he had to serve, and to his colleagues for the opportunity to serve along side them.  Mr. Libby will resign his position as Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to the vice President and as an assistant to the President.

To be clear, Mr. Libby is innocent of these charges.  We ask that you not judge until the verdict is in.  Thank you.

Joseph A. Tate
October 28, 2005

Here is Libby's statement.

Earlier today I submitted my resignation to the President.  Obviously, today is a sad day for me and my family.

It has been a great privilege and honor to have the blessing of serving our country in public service in the State Department, the Defense Department, and most recently the Office of the Vice President.

I've spent much of my career working on behalf of the American people and for the safety of our citizens.  I have conducted my responsibilities honorably and truthfully, including with respect to this investigation.

It is with regret that I step aside from that service today.  I am confident that at the end of this process I will be completely and totally exonerated.

I. Lewis Libby
October 28, 2005

Comments

[MIA]

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