Department of Justice Seal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2000

(202)514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888


STATEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

ON THE CHARLES BAKALY DECISION


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Judge Norma Holloway Johnson of the U.S. District Court today issued a judgment finding Charles G. Bakaly, III not guilty of the charges of criminal contempt. The Department of Justice issued the following statement:

  • "The case against Charles Bakaly was initiated by the District Court in March 1999, when it ordered Mr. Bakaly to show why he should not be held in contempt for filing a materially false declaration intended to mislead the court.

  • "The Office of Independent Counsel had previously referred the matter to the Justice Department for appropriate action."

  • "Upon completing its investigation, the Justice Department concluded that Mr. Bakaly should not be indicted. Instead, it concluded that the matter could best be addressed through the District Court's already pending contempt proceeding.

  • "After being asked by the District Court judge, the Justice Department agreed to serve as prosecutor of the contempt charges.

  • "The Justice Department appreciates the full cooperation that it received from the Office of Independent Counsel throughout this investigation and prosecution."

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