Tobacco lawsuit dollars tracked

The Clarion-Ledger, 3/30/9

Federal authorities who have been investigating judicial bribery cases in Mississippi are interested in the trail of money that leads from tobacco settlement expenses.

Dickie Scruggs, who pleaded guilty in two judicial bribery schemes, is cooperating with federal authorities. He earned $1 billion as chief negotiator of the tobacco settlement.

Scruggs’ attorney, John Keker of San Francisco, denied federal authorities are exploring the matter.

Last week, a federal grand jury questioned witnesses regarding P.L. Blake, who earned $50 million from tobacco settlement expenses.