FBI probe in judicial bribe case to continue

FBI probe in judicial bribe case to continue

Legal experts say if Balducci was referring to cases beyond Katrina, it could potentially affect those cases.

The federal case could hinge on the credibility of Balducci, who allegedly gave the judge a $40,000 bribe and allegedly was repaid by Dickie Scruggs, said Carl Tobias, a professor for the University of Richmond School of Law.

Because there was no direct connection or conversation between Scruggs and the judge, the defense can argue Balducci acted on his own, Tobias said. “They can say, ‘We never told him to do that.'”

Jerry Mitchell
Clarion Ledger
11/30/7