Other complaints vs. DeLaughter may be moot
DeLaughter is expected to plead guilty to lying to an FBI agent investigating a legal fees dispute lawsuit he was hearing involving former multimillionaire attorney Dickie Scruggs.
That case involved a claim by Scruggs’ former law partner, Bob Wilson, that Scruggs owes him $15 million in legal fees from their successful asbestos litigation.
DeLaughter is accused of ruling in Scruggs’ favor in exchange for Scruggs’ help in securing consideration for a federal judicial appointment – an allegation the judge denies.
Though the two other complaints against DeLaughter before the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance involve unrelated cases, all three have a common thread – DeLaughter’s former boss, ex-longtime Hinds County District Attorney Ed Peters’ involvement with the party allegedly getting the better end of DeLaughter’s rulings.
Eric Stracener, an attorney in one of the cases pending before the judicial group, said Wednesday the complaints could become moot if DeLaughter enters a guilty plea.
Clarion-Ledger
7/30/9
