Justice Department officials talking to ABC News didn’t mince words:
FBI officials say their investigation of Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) can get “back on track” with a ruling by Judge Thomas Hogan denying a motion by Jefferson and the House of Representative’s Counsel to return documents the FBI seized from Jefferson’s office on May 20 and 21.
Justice Department officials say they had originally hoped to indict Jefferson by June 30 so that the “political situation” in Jefferson’s home district could “right itself” before the November election. Officials say if the documents are now available to them, an indictment is likely sometime this summer.
Looks like they’re straining at the leash. But they might have to wait, because Jefferson’s lawyer plans to appeal. This one’s going all the way to the Supreme Court, it seems.
Meanwhile, Jefferson continues his run for reelection. Will he make it all the way to November without being indicted? It’s a race!
