Accused of fraud in Iraq 2 thugs are living large on the $8.5 million they stole from the coalition

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070401/NEWS/704010825

MANATEE COUNTY -- When they bought homes in quiet Lakewood Ranch, Scott Custer and Mike Battles were becoming the poster children for wasted government money in war-torn Iraq.

The two former Army buddies and their defense contracting company, Custer Battles LLC, were banned from government work.

Then they were featured as war profiteers on a segment of "60 Minutes," based on the accusations in a whistle-blower lawsuit.

A jury found that they cheated the U.S.-led coalition government in Iraq out of millions of dollars. A second whistle-blower case was headed to trial.

And then the fraud cases went away totally.

A judge overturned the jury's verdict against them because the coalition government -- not the U.S. government -- was the victim. The same judge threw out the other lawsuit as well on another defense motion, saying there was no proof of fraud.

So instead of having to pay back $10 million in restitution and fines, they are raising their children near relatives in Southwest Florida and starting new businesses.

[madokie]

1. all things illegal is fair game in bush* world

[NW_BEAST]

2. They hang war profiteers, don't they?

Well, Don't they?

[Sal Minella]

8. Not fast enough.

[newyawker99]

10. Hi NW_BEAST!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[formercia]

3. Florida and Texas, the deadbeat states

and favorite hang-out for Junior and gang. The laws need to be changed.

[magellan]

4. The lame "Coalition Provisional Authority does not equal the US" argument

Fine, then. Find out who signed the goddamn contract for the CPA. It will undoubtedly be the Pentagon or an element thereof, showing just how corrupt this judge is in overturning the JURY VERDICT.

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. I wonder how the judge profited from this?

:shrug: $$$?

[magellan]

9. I suppose just getting to keep his cushy job would be impetus

I don't know whether he's an elected judge or appointed, but either way the answer may lie there.

[donkeyotay]

5. "And then the fraud cases went away totally." nt

[cassiepriam]

6. In BushWorld they are admired heroes.

Screwing others has been elevated to an art form.

[NNN0LHI]

11. Yep. They hit the Bush lotto n/t

[BeFree]

12. Awww, c'mon yall

They've been given a second chance by an activist judge - and isn't that we Progressive Dems are known for?

I'm sure these guys are just as honest as can be, if given another chance.

But those welfare queens who are trying to feed those grandkids... those are the real criminals. They oughtta know better, right? Well, bushco will teach them a lesson.