Patrick Fitzgerald resume

[WilliamPitt]

Patrick J. Fitzgerald, 40, began his prosecutorial career in 1988 by handling significant drug trafficking cases, and prosecuting major heroin smuggling rings. In 1993 he and another lawyer prosecuted, and won convictions against, John Gambino, a capo of the Gambino Crime Family and three other members of the Gambino Crime Family crew for a variety of charges, including murder and racketeering.

In June of 1994, he became counsel in the prosecution of the "blind sheik," Omar Abdel Rahman and 11 other defendants, who were accused of a seditious conspiracy involving the bombing of the World Trade Center and a plot to bomb the United Nations, the FBI Building in New York, the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, and to assassinate President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. The nine-month trial resulted in convictions.

The following year, Fitzgerald was named Co-Chief of the Organized Crime and Terrorism Section of the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Shortly thereafter he became National Security Coordinator for the Office. In these capacities, he was responsible for supervising the investigation and development and prosecution of the case against Osama Bin-Ladin. He was the chief counsel in the prosecution of those alleged to have perpetrated the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Last week, Patrick Fitzgerald participated in the sentencing of four defendants convicted of participating in the 1998 bombings of the two U.S. Embassies in Africa. Earlier this year, Fitzgerald prosecuted the defendants, securing convictions.

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m4PRN/2001_Oct_24/79407576/p1/article.jhtml

[chiburb]

1. My opinion...

Fitzgerald is probably the most independent US ATTY to ever serve in Illinois. He just indicted George Ryan (R-Gov.) and most of Ryan's closest pals are already behind bars. I suspect that Rich Daley (D-Emporer) is next for his association with organized crime/city contracts.
Additionally, I believe that his appointment was PUSHED by Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-Soon to be retired), and THAT is what cost him Repub support for any reelection bid. Hooray for that, but he did give us this gift of the other Fitz.
Can he be trusted with the Plame investigation? I think YES! Can his superior be trusted? Maybe. It is possible that Justice just doesn't have a dog in this fight, so let the chips fall where they may... especially if the CIA has 'something' on Asscrack.

[Padraig18]

2. It's a 1st-class appointment!

I think Asscraft just blinked. :)

[tom_paine]

3. Nice to see you back, Will

:beer: :beer:

[Beetwasher]

4. It Would Seem Fitzgerald is a Good Guy, HOWEVER

I hope he maintains his integrity. My concerns are as follows:

It's been waaaaay too long since the leak. The investigation didn't start until months after it happened and the special prosecutor wasn't appointed until months after that. In the interim, evidence could have and probably was destroyed, redacted, classified etc, suspects and witnesses have had time to be coached and threatened. Ashcroft had pleanty of time to vet everything and prepare everything for an investigation and fill all the holes. Now, they appoint someone who is seemingly above reproach, but he may have nothing to find, because it's all been cleaned. The admin. can say "see nothing here, we even appointed a special prosecutor!"

Unfortunately, the best Fitz may come up w/ is a case based on hearsay. It would be people in the admin. vs. whatever witnessess he can find, and all they will have is their words. You can't prosecute on hearsay.

[welshTerrier2]

5. Can Fitzgerald Be Trusted ?

here's an additional paragraph from the article mr. pitt posted ... it bodes well for fitzgerald's integrity:



<snip>

Senator Fitzgerald expressed his deep appreciation toward his colleague from Illinois, Senator Dick Durbin, for his help in moving Patrick Fitzgerald's nomination through the confirmation process.

<snip>

[Walt Starr]

If Dick Durbin stands behind him

then he's okay in my book.

[GregD]

6. Hey Will - I PM'ed you last night

If it's not a bother, would you have a look and reply please?

Thanks,
Greg

[Walt Starr]

7. Will, I believe there's a mistake in the article

Wasn't he prosecuting John Gotti, the head of the Gambino family, in 1993?

[KFC]

8. I know this guy personally

Can't say I've ever met a more honest person. Fitz is not about politics - he will go after Pubs or Dems, Muslims or Christians. He is a guy you want on your side.

[Hippo_Tron]

9. I'm glad they finally came to their senses...

I just wish that they had done this months ago.

[Beaker]

10. didn't he once have a gay lover?

Gerald Fitzpatrick perhaps?

[chiburb]

11. ?

.

[Beaker]

12. it's from an old joke...

Patrick FitzGerald, and Gerald Fitzpatrick?

think about it a minute...

[linazelle]

13. I'm skeptical...Bush never once met with George Ryan

in the entire time he's been in office. Bush's visits to Chicago were all with Mayor Daley or for other fundraisers. Ryan has been cast aside like a leper--none of the Republicans acknowledge him and haven't for years. Ryan's a scapegoat for the Repugs to prove they go after their own (once in a while). So, IMHO, Fitzgerald's prosecution of Ryan says very little about what he will do regarding BushCo's treason.

More importantly, I'm still unclear as to who exactly picked Fitzgerald for this "job." Did Asscroft have anything to do with appointing him? If so, I have no faith in Fitzgerald at all.