Florida Authorities Still After Mark Foley's Computers

I thought this case was pretty much over last August, when it was reported that The Florida Department of Law Enforcement wanted to wrap up their investigation of Former Rep. Mark Foley, and his communications with underage pages.

At that time, FDLE spokesperson Heather Smith told the AP: "We have requested to review federally owned computers that Mr. Foley used during his time as a representative, but the U.S. House of Representatives ... cited case law restrictions that prohibited them from releasing those computers."

It appears that the FDLE is still pursuing the case. The Blotter reports that as recently as last month the FDLE sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting access. Wrote Commissioner Gerald Bailey to the Speaker: "We are respectfully requesting access to any and all computer equipment that the U.S. Government possesses that former Representative Foley utilized during his time in office."

According to Pelosi's spokesperson, her office is preparing a response., wants to cooperate, and is consulting House lawyers.

Previously
Mark Foley Investigation Stymied by Lack of Access to Computers [tr]

Novak: GOP Knew of Larry Craig "Weird Conduct", Ignored It

On Bloomberg TV Saturday, right-wing pundit Robert Novak said that Senate Republicans knew about Larry Craig and his trips to the men's room for some time, but never took any action:

"I have talked to several of my sources in the Senate, and this came as a surprise to me…They knew about it. They knew that he had this problem, and it was in the closet. And it was not just a homosexual relationship. It was this weird conduct. They didn’t do anything about it. So Republicans, again, as in the case of Congressman Foley, their cover-up is coming back to haunt them."

Odds are there are more Craigs and Foleys out there. It's only a matter of time.

(via Think Progress)

SNL's "Weekend Update" also took on the Larry Craig debacle over the weekend. Enjoy.

Mark Foley Saved by Age of Lewd Messages

Florida's three-year statute of limitations may help save Mark Foley from any criminal prosecution, ABC's The Blotter reports:

"The Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not start a criminal investigation of Foley until November 2006, making it nearly impossible to prosecute what some officials regarded as the best case, an explicit instant message sent by Foley to a 17-year-old high school student in February 2003, when Foley was in Pensacola, Fla."

Late last month, The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said the case should be closed shortly as they were not able to obtain access to Foley's computers.

Shamhunt.Net, Where Self-Hating Americans Find Love

Our friend Aaron over at Narcissism 101 has just introduced us to the latest social networking site. Don't miss the profiles of Ted Haggard, Bob Allen, and last but not least, Larry Craig.

Mark Foley Not Likely to Face Charges in Florida Investigation

Didn't get a chance to post this on Friday. It looks as though Mark Foley is pretty much off the hook in Florida:

"That could change if new evidence surfaces in the next week that proves Foley, 52, sent online messages to male teenagers with the intent to 'seduce, solicit, lure, entice, or attempt to seduce a child,' a third degree felony under Florida law. But as of now, the end of Foley's political career may be the most severe consequence the former congressman faces for the revelations that stunned his longtime supporters and prompted his immediate resignation, just weeks before the 2006 election. The Fort Pierce Republican represented parts of St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said this week the investigation should be completed within the next several days."

And since they don't have access to Foley's computers no such evidence is likely to materialize.

Mark Foley Investigation Stymied by Lack of Access to Computers

Yes, the Mark Foley investigation is still ongoing in the state of Florida.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement would reportedly like to wrap up the investigation but has been stymied because neither Foley nor the House of Representatives will allow investigators access to Foley's congressional computers. The House claims only Foley can release them because they're considered "congressional work papers."

That would seem to be a bit of a roadblock to anyone attempting to uncover wrongdoing regarding electronic communications.

FDLE spokesperson Heather Smith told the AP: "We have requested to review federally owned computers that Mr. Foley used during his time as a representative, but the U.S. House of Representatives ... cited case law restrictions that prohibited them from releasing those computers."

The AP adds: "Florida investigators were working with the FBI and Foley's attorney, David Roth, to try to reach an agreement, Smith said. At the investigation's conclusion, its findings will be forwarded to prosecutors to determine if charges are warranted. Under Florida law, the age of consent is 18. A crime may have been committed if Foley is simply found to have seduced or attempted to seduce a minor using lewd or explicit language. Roth declined to comment Wednesday, citing the continuing investigation. He has previously maintained his client's innocence and said Foley never had inappropriate sexual contact with minors."

Foley, Police at Odds Over Computers [ap via sf gate]