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Judge Nixes Stevens Conviction, Targets Feds

Vows prosecutors will face contempt charges

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 7, 2009 12:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Washington judge officially set aside Ted Stevens' conviction today, and vowed to pursue criminal contempt charges against the Justice Department prosecutors who bungled the case against the former senator, Politico reports. Emmet Sullivan berated prosecutors for withholding potentially crucial evidence: “In 25 years on the bench, I have never seen anything approaching the mishandling and misconduct in this case.”

Stevens’ lawyer called the government’s misconduct “clear, intentional, willful, and tedious,” but the Alaska Republican himself seemed more grateful than angry. “Without your experience and vigilance, the truth would never be known,” he told the judge. “Your actions gave me new hope that others may be spared similar miscarriages of justice.”

Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, accompanied by his daughters, from left, Beth Stevens, Lilly Stevens, and Susan Covich, leaves federal court in Washington today.
Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, accompanied by his daughters, from left, Beth Stevens, Lilly Stevens, and Susan Covich, leaves federal court in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens waves as he prepares to get into his vehicle as he leaves federal court in Washington today.
Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens waves as he prepares to get into his vehicle as he leaves federal court in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens and his daughter Beth leave federal court in Washington today.
Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens and his daughter Beth leave federal court in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 7, 2009 5:33 AM CDT
And that was the Bush Justice department just to remind folks. Holder took some heat for withdrawing charges becuase of the Bush Justice department's mistakes in the trial.

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