The Appeals Court ruling today simply declines to reinstate additional charges. It does not change the fact that Tom DeLay continues to face what have been called, “far more serious allegations of money-laundering.” (Source: Associated Press, December 6, 2005) DeLay is charged with two serious crimes:
- Money-laundering
- First-degree felony
- Punishable by up to life in prison
- And a fine up to $10,000
- Conspiracy to commit money-laundering
- Second-degree felony
- Punishable by up to 20 years in prison
- And a fine up to $10,000
(Source: San Antonio Express-News, October 4, 2005)
Fact: Today’s Appeal Court ruling today did not dismiss any charge pending against Tom DeLay
The 5-4 split decision by an all Republican court today did not dismiss charges, it simply refused to reinstate a charge against DeLay. The ruling left him facing two felony charges. (Source: Reuters, June 27, 2007) As Cris Feldman, a Houston lawyer, said after the original decision, “DeLay still has to go to trial on a first-degree felony, and I don’t think anyone would call that a victory.” (Source: Los Angeles Times 12/6/05)
Fact: DeLay’s escape of additional charges was based on a technicality
DeLay avoided additional indictment, only when the court ruled that one of the laws he violated was not enacted in time to be enforced against him. (Source: Associated Press, June 27, 2007)
