Subject:  Fieger may still face civil charges |
Author:
Chris
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Date Posted: 06/22/08 3:42pm
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Fieger may face civil charges from FEC
Paul Egan / The Detroit News
SOUTHFIELD -- Though acquitted of criminal campaign finance charges, Southfield attorney Geoffrey Fieger still faces possible civil prosecution by the Federal Elections Commission for reimbursing employees and others for donations to the 2004 presidential campaign of Democrat John Edwards.
The commission, which normally will not say whether it is conducting an investigation, confirmed in an April 9, 2007, court filing in a federal civil case that it had opened an inquiry into Fieger in 2006.
Federal officials said this week that civil investigation has been on hold pending the resolution of criminal charges brought against Fieger in 2007.
On Monday, a federal jury acquitted Fieger and his law partner Ven Johnson of conspiracy and illegal campaign contribution charges. The allegations -- the same ones that are before the FEC -- were that Fieger illegally donated more than $100,000 to the 2004 Edwards campaign by reimbursing employees, relatives and law firm vendors.
The standard of proof required in a civil case is lower than that required in a criminal case. It is possible the FEC will proceed with a civil prosecution, under which Fieger would face possible fines. FEC officials declined to comment.
Fieger said Tuesday it would make no sense to be prosecuted civilly after a jury cleared him of criminal charges based on the same allegations. "That would be silly," Fieger said.
You can reach Paul Egan at (313) 222-2069 or pegan@detnews.com.
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