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 For Immediate Release
Sep 7, 1999 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172


INDEPENDENT COUNSEL GETS "COLD FEET" IN CISNEROS PROBE

Investigation Collapses After Four Years, $9 Million


(Washington, September 7) The government watchdog group Judicial Watch said today that the Cisneros plea deal, which resulted in a paltry $10,000 fine and no jail time for a misdemeanor, shows that Independent Counsel David M. Barrett got "cold feet" after four years and $9 million.

"The Cisneros plea deal is a miscarriage of justice and shows, when it comes to powerful politicians, the American criminal justice system has broken down," stated Judicial Watch Chairman Larry Klayman.

"This latest ‘traffic ticket' for another Clinton appointee shows the politically-connected can get a free pass for criminal activity -- that if you're a member of the Washington Establishment, you can commit crimes with virtual immunity from government prosecution," added Klayman.

As Judicial Watch did in the case of Chinagate figure Michael Brown, who also got a "slap on the wrist" despite evidence of serious crimes, Judicial Watch will intervene and challenge the plea agreement in the public interest.

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