| Subject: FBI probed rumors of extramarital affairs |
Author:
chris
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Date Posted: 05/ 2/08 9:07pm
In reply to:
Diane
's message, "Fiegers' Trial Tomorrow ????" on 04/13/08 6:44pm
FBI probed rumors of Fieger's extramarital affairs
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
FBI probed rumors of Fieger's extramarital affairs, jury told
Paul Egan / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- The jury in Southfield attorney Geoffrey Fieger's criminal trial
learned Wednesday of rumors that Fieger had extramarital affairs with women who
worked at his law firm.
The issue was raised over the objections of government prosecutors by Fieger
defense lawyer Gerry Spence, who said in federal court he raised the issue to
show the FBI was so intent on "getting" Fieger they were prepared to question
witnesses about irrelevant subjects unrelated to alleged campaign finance
violations.
"They asked about alleged affairs Mr. Fieger had with women in the firm," Spence
told U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman. "The width and breadth of what the
government was doing here is clear."
Fieger, 58, and his law partner, Ven Johnson, 46, were indicted in 2007 on
conspiracy and illegal campaign contribution charges. They are accused of making
$127,000 in illegal donations to the 2004 presidential campaign of Democrat John
Edwards by reimbursing employees, employee relatives, and law firm vendors.
Fieger is also charged with obstruction of justice.
Spence raised the issue of alleged Fieger affairs while he was cross-examining
Tania Rock, a paralegal and former personal assistant to Fieger who testified
Tuesday she warned Fieger he could get in trouble for reimbursing employees for
political donations.
Rock testified she told the FBI about at least one affair Fieger was rumored to
be having with a woman who worked at the firm.
Rock, who traveled extensively with Fieger as his personal assistant, testified
the FBI also asked her if she had an affair with Fieger and she told the FBI she
did not.
Outside the presence of jurors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Helland argued
Spence should not be able to raise the issue of alleged extramarital affairs. He
said prosecutors and defense lawyers agreed prior to the trial not to explore
the issue.
"I'm not a party to that," Borman said.
Rock testified raising money for Edwards was a big issue for Fieger.
"He wanted to be the biggest fund-raiser for Sen. Edwards," she testified. "That
was the goal."
The trial will resume Friday morning with Rock on the stand for the third day.
You can reach Paul Egan at (313) 222-2069 or pegan@....
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