Cheney, Gonzales indictments dismissed

by Jay McDonough

Following up on a post from a couple weeks ago, the criminal indictments against Vice President Dick Cheney and ex-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales were dismissed yesterday in Texas.  The controversial Willacy County District Attorney, Juan Angel Guerra, had alleged Misters Cheney and Gonzales were culpable for prisoner abuse in Texas.  The indictment had charged Mr. Cheney as a result of his investment in the Vanguard Group, an investment management company that has interests in prison companies.  Mr. Gonzales indictment stemmed from allegations he had halted an abuse investigation while serving as attorney General.

A judge dismissed indictments against Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Monday and told the southern Texas prosecutor who brought the case to exercise caution as his term in office ends.

Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra had accused Cheney and the other defendants of responsibility for prisoner abuse. The judge's order ended two weeks of sometimes-bizarre court proceedings.

Guerra is leaving office at the end of the month after soundly losing in his March primary election.

"I suggest on behalf of the law that you not present any cases to the grand jury involving these defendants," Administrative Judge Manuel Banales said in court while ruling that eight indictments against Cheney, Gonzales and others were invalid. (Link)

This case was small potatoes.  There are far more serious offenses for which Mr. Cheney and Mr. Gonzales will, undoubtedly, be investigated.