Utah Wants to Drop Case Against Ex-Attorney General

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Prosecutors moved Monday to drop pay-to-play charges against former Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, a surprise retreat more than two years after state investigators arrested the former top lawman and his successor, citing a pattern of favors and gifts traded with a cast of questionable Utah businessmen.

Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings said in court documents that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the bribery conviction of a former Virginia governor narrowed what could be charged in influence-peddling cases.

Rawlings, a Republican, also said federal investigators stopped cooperating with the prosecution of Shurtleff and did not hand over evidence from past federal investigations. Rawlings said he had to drop the case because it would violate a constitutional right to a speedy trial.

Shurtleff's defense attorney Richard Van Wagoner said in a statement that his client is gratified and that prosecutors in court documents had acknowledged arguments made by Shurtleff that the case should be dismissed.

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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utah-drop-case-attorney-general-40669426

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By LINDSAY WHITEHURST AND MICHELLE L. PRICE, ASSOCIATED PRESS SALT LAKE CITY — Jul 18, 2016, 8:28 PM ET

[Stainless]

1. Political Corruption is Epic in Utah

The Mormon Church encourages lying and cheating beginning at a young age. They excuse it as a way to protect their religion. By the time the young liars become adults they are brainwashed into joining the Republican party and any semblance of critical thinking is lost forever.

When people say that Mormonism is a Cult, they are speaking from experience. It's just too bad that the corruption and cheating are allowed to flourish in the political arena without anyone being held responsible.

[The Second Stone]

2. Favors just short of cash for action are now legal in the US

per the US Supreme Court.