Diaz Seeks Payback from Lampton
The Clarion-Ledger has a story today on former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz's defamation lawsuit against former U.S. attorney Dunn Lampton. The case focuses on the government's investigation and prosecution of Diaz and his wife Jennifer while Lampton was U.S. Attorney for the southern district of Mississippi.
Oliver Diaz was acquitted of all charges in two trials and there was pretty much universal agreement in the legal community that the charges were extremely weak. In fact, many people believe that Paul Minor was not convicted in his first trial because he was tried with Diaz and the charges against Diaz were so weak. The fact that Diaz was charged also made the charges against Minor look more politically motivated than they otherwise would have.
The story was better covered yesterday on local blogs, including NMSCommentor. Mr. and Mrs. Diaz are represented by former Supreme Court Justice Chuck McRae. You have to figure that the lawsuit, which was technically initiated by Lampton's cousin, is about more than money.
